Kyle Pitts’ blazing 40 time should give Jaguars something to think about

The Jacksonville Jaguars made major changes to their roster in free agency. However, they didn’t tweak their tight end room much, and if they want to upgrade the unit, they will have to do it in the 2021 NFL Draft. While they could target Penn State’s Pat Freiermuth late in the first round or early in the second, Kyle Pitts’ recent 40-yard dash should give them something to think about.

Pitts ran an unofficial 4.46 40-dash time Monday. The Florida product was already the top tight end prospect in 2021 but his recent 40 time should make him a lock to go in the top 6, that’s how talented he is and if the Jags want to draft him, they would have to trade up, as there’s no reason for them to take anybody besides Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick.

They will have another first-round selection, the 25th overall, but Pitts will most likely be gone by then, so if they are interested in him, they will have to move up to the top 10, probably top 6, to draft him.

The Jaguars have the 25th overall pick and two second-round selections, so they do have the resources to move up. It would up to them to decide whether they should trade up for Pitts or stay put and target Freirmuth.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could give their tight end room a massive upgrade.

The Jaguars opted not to chase any of the big-name tight ends in free agency and signed Chris Manhertz instead. However, he has been more of a pass-blocking tight end throughout his NFL career and it’s unlikely he will suddenly turn into a deep threat, so Jacksonville will have to wait until the draft to adddress the position, as there aren’t many enticing options left in the open market.

Freiermuth is a talented prospect and his familiarity with Jaguars tight end coach Tyler Bowen — he was his offensive coordinator at Penn State — could give him a leg up in the process. However, Pitts has the chance to be special and if his most recent 40-dash time is proof of it.

If the Jags think the gap in talent between Freiermuth and Pitts isn’t big, they should stay put. However, if they think the it’s worth trading up, they should go head and do it. They already made many changes to their roster, it’s time for them to give their tight end room a boost.