Jacksonville Jaguars: Florida TE Kyle Pitts declares for 2021 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars need an infusion of talent on offense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in for a roster makeover in 2021, and need as much talent as they can hoard on both offense and defense. Although tight end is not frequently mentioned among the team’s biggest roster needs, they could certainly use an upgrade at the position and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts could provide it.

Pitts recently announced his decision to enter the 2021 NFL Draft on social media. He also added that he won’t partake in the team’s bowl game.

Pitts will likely be the top tight end in 2021’s Player Selection Meeting, so his decision to skip the bowl game makes sense, as he can’t do much to increase his draft stock. He wants to avoid the risk of sustaining an injury, which in turn could lower his stock. The 6-foot-5 standout is the seventh-highest ranked player in Mel Kiper’s big board and was one of the most electrifying players for the Gators in 2020.

This season, Pitts suited up for eight games and hauled in 43 receptions for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns. Based on his playmaking prowess and production in 2020, he should definitely get his name called in the first round.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could certainly use Kyle Pitts.

This Jacksonville team currently holds the first overall selection in next year’s draft, which they will probably use to take Clemson quarterback Trevon Lawerence. However, they also have another first-round selection, the second one they got from Los Angeles Rams when they traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey in 2019. That picks is currently projected to be 25th.

If the Jaguars indeed draft Lawrence, they could use the 25th choice to add an offensive weapon. They have other roster needs, such as left tackle and defensive end, but their offense could certainly benefit from Pitt’s presence. They currently have Tyler Eifert and James O’Shaughnessy on the roster, but neither of them offers a long-term solution at the tight end position.

On the other hand, it’s uncertain whether the tight end isn’t going to be on the board by then, as many teams will probably be vying for his services. If the ‘Jags’ really want him, they might need to trade up in order to get him, or they could simply hope he falls into their lap. Then again, that might not be the soundest draft strategy.

The Jaguars currently have 11 draft selections and will have the opportunity to address plenty of roster needs in 2021. Pitts is an enticing prospect and if they think he could a difference-maker, they should definitely target him.