Never has a tight end been picked as early as Kyle Pitts in this year’s draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Before the first London Game against the New York Jets his numbers are less impressive. But that is deceptive.

Munich – Kyle Pitts has already made an impression with the Atlanta Falcons. Which may well surprise outsiders. After all, nothing but new records were expected. From the rookie who was drafted fourth overall. Earlier than any tight end before.

Instead, the 21-year-old from Philadelphia is still waiting for his first score after four games. He collected 15 receptions on 26 targets, which he converted into 189 receiving yards. These are not numbers for jumping through hoops.

But beware of jumping to conclusions.

Pitts for his backup “the cherry on top “

The Falcons already seem to be in love ahead of this season’s first London Game on Sunday against the New York Jets (starting at 14:55 live on ProSieben and ran.de). With the model athlete, who seems to possess exceptional skills not only on the field.

“I am very careful who I let near my little daughters. But Kyle Pitts could babysit them at any time,” stressed his backup Lee Smith, also new in Atlanta. For the veteran, the new position partner is “the cherry on top”.

Springtime shades

Pitts is “a special person, a special player”. NFL team scouts were able to convince themselves of the latter last year and also at Pro Day, when the 6-foot-5 talent showed off his speed as well as his athleticism.

According to ESPN, Pitts said at the time that he felt “like I could be the best of all time”. He’ll have to measure himself against that after the historic draft at the latest.

Critics have not forgotten announcement

Not immediately, of course, but a convincing start would silence the critics. And also those who, after the full-bodied announcement from the spring, will pounce on him for every dropped ball or poorly placed block.

So far, it seems they have more to laugh about. But Matt Ryan naturally sees it differently. The Falcons quarterback demonstratively stood in front of his new colleague.

Ryan draws comparison with Jones

Pitts suffers from his special status, “Matty Ice” explained. Because he had only experienced one other player before the tight end on whom the defensive lines had focused so much: Julio Jones.

Now Ryan Pitts probably didn’t want to put on the XXL backpack of being compared to the seven-time Pro Bowler. But in his need to explain the dilemma, the comparison probably suited him just fine.

“Pitts evokes respect from opponents “

“He commands respect from the players on the other side. I’ve noticed in the first few weeks that there’s always a plan for him,” Ryan said of Pitts, who often faces double coverage.

Head Coach Arthur Smith also cites these special circumstances as the reason that the first rounder has not yet come into his own as hoped. At least other receivers will have a better chance to shine.

Three important scenes in the win over the Giants

Like the 17-14 win over the New York Giants in Week 3, the Falcons’ only victory to date. Back then, Pitts was clearly overshadowed by colleagues like Cordarrelle Patterson or Calvin Ridley, given two catches for 35 yards. But only if you look at the bare numbers alone.

Pitts was chosen by the franchise as one of the keys to success. Because on the way to the equaliser he caught a ball for ten yards and drew a pass interference. On the decisive drive, he returned it 25 yards.

“Don’t let individual situations affect you “

Time to take off a little bit after all? Not at all. “It’s just football. I don’t want to be influenced by individual situations,” Pitts commented almost humbly, possibly chastened after the brash words from before the draft.

At least he’s already learned a few things in his first few weeks in the league: “As a player, it’s a little harder to win in the NFL and you can never take anything for granted.” Sure, hard work is the name of the game. Week in, week out. Only then does the dream of really being counted among the greats one day live.

Ryan explains to Pitts about the balls and receivers

But Ryan’s insights already show that Pitt’s name inspires awe in the competition. He’s not just any rookie.

And at some point, given his class, Pitts’ time will come. Or as the veteran said to the youngster: “The ball lands with different players at different times. And then sometimes it comes pouring in. “

The Golden Jacket is already ready

Maybe in London. But even if not, fellow tight end Smith is already certain: “If, with God’s help, he stays healthy, he’ll put on the Golden Jacket one day.”

The Hall of Fame. For that, Pitts would have to impress the entire NFL world in any case. But nothing else has to be his aspiration. Despite all the humility.