Falcons TE Camp Preview: Why Jonnu Smith Can Unlock Kyle Pitts

After acquiring Jonnu Smith through a trade this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons are looking to pair him with Kyle Pitts.

A big talking point heading into the season will be how the Atlanta Falcons manage to get tight end Kyle Pitts back to his best. The former No. 4 overall NFL Draft pick in 2020 had a strong rookie season, instantly becoming a 1,000-yard receiver for the Falcons offense. Yet, last season saw a sophomore slump type of drop-off from the former Florida Gator.

Pitts recorded just 28 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns before an MCL injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. As we've learned since, the MCL injury wasn't the only one that Pitts had dealt with during the fall, as Falcons coach Arthur Smith later revealed he battled through multiple to start the season. While nagging injuries could've factored heavily into his usage before the MCL, things didn't look right last season.

Maybe it can be put down to poor chemistry with then-starting quarterback Marcus Mariota or the injuries but heading into a season where a playoff push is an expectation; the Falcons need their third-year playmaker back to his best.

The trade for Jonnu Smith with the New England Patriots could be just the start of that plan to get the most out of Pitts. Jonnu and Falcons coach Arthur Smith share a wealth of familiarity dating back to their time together with the Tennessee Titans. During the Smith's time together, Jonnu found his best career form in 2020, totaling 887 yards and 11 touchdowns in an offense that, like the Falcons are expected to be this season, was predicated on the run game.

While Smith did not live up to expectations in Foxboro after receiving a lucrative four-year $50 million deal in free agency following the 2020 season, there is hope that the reconnection between him and Arthur can help him also find his form again.

In doing so, Jonnu can help out Pitts as he gives defenses another playmaking threat to worry about. At his best in Tennessee, Smith was moved all over the field - even lining up in the backfield at times - as he proved most dangerous with the ball in his hands, otherwise known as a "YAC" (yards after the catch) guy. 

Whether Smith is lined up in-line or split wide, he can take attention away from Pitts as defenses know if they let the Falcons get him the ball, it could be an explosive play waiting to happen.

Judging by the Falcons' frequency of operating out of multiple tight end sets last season, both Pitts and Smith will get a ton of snaps together, giving Atlanta its own potential two-headed monster. 

Projected Depth Chart

TE1: Kyle Pitts

TE2: Jonnu Smith

TE3: Parker Hesse 

TE4: Feleipe Franks

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