Articles

By Craig J. Santucci @NYGiantsRush

The New York Giants are not afraid to draft a pass catching Tight End in the 1st round and Kyle Pitts from Florida could become Daniel Jones new best friend.

Jeremy Shockey – Round 1 – Pick 14

In 2002 the New York Giants drafted Tight End Jeremy Shockey with the 14th pick. The 6’5″ 250 lbs. Shockey was an animal, reckless on and off the field and New York ate it up. He was a tenacious blocker and a ruthless pass catcher. He often dropped the easy catch and always made the hard catch. He ran over and through defenders, which cut short his career. He battled management on reporting to training camp, opting to train in Miami. He still goes down as one of the top three Tight End’s the Giants have had in their storied history.

Evan Engram – Round 1 – Pick 23

In 2017, the Giants drafted Evan Engram from Ole Miss with the 23rd pick. He is known for his straight-line speed. At 6’3″ 240, and with the ball in his hands, linebackers and safeties have a tough time catching him. From 2017 thru 2019, Engram missed 14 games. He was often on the IR with another injury. When healthy he had trouble holding onto the ball and struggled to block. In 2020, Engram kicked the injury bug and was tagged a major weapon for QB, Daniel Jones. While the Giants committed to Engram’s 5th contract year in 2021, the Tight End failed to deliver. He dropped 11 passes, 3 turning into interceptions, and 35 points for the opponent. Trading Engram early in 2021 would be good for both parties.

Kyle Pitts – Tight End Florida Gators

In 2021, the New York Giants and Quarterback Daniel Jones desperately needing a tall, downfield threat that can catch, Kyle Pitts from Florida could be the answer. The Philadelphia native is tall. At 6’6″ and 240 lbs, he is a smooth route runner, tracks the ball well, can run after the catch, and pulls in contested balls.

Pitts was also recognized for this work being the first-ever tight end finalist for the Biletnikoff Award and the winner of the John Mackey Award.

His stat line for 2020 reads: 43 receptions | 770 Yards | 12 Tds

Dropped Passes: 0 DROPS

Kyle Pitts history at Florida

It gets better…he did this in eight games. With a full season under his belt, there is a good chance he could have eclipsed 1000 yards and 15 TDS. Pitts sustained a concussion after being targeted in the Georgia game. He opted out of the Cotton Bowl to train for the NFL combine, which seems tro be a growing trend in college football. Pitts 2020 numbers are second-most all-time at the position in SEC history.