Former Florida Gators Tight End Named by PFF as One of NFL’s Most to Prove Players Entering Crucial 2025 Season

When Pro Football Focus released its list of NFL players with the most to prove entering the 2025 season, one name stood out for fans of the Florida Gators. Former Gators tight end Kyle Pitts, now with the Atlanta Falcons, was highlighted as a player under the spotlight this year—both because of his elite potential and the growing questions about his trajectory in the pros. For Pitts, the 2025 season represents a turning point: the moment to either validate the immense hype that surrounded his draft selection or continue to drift toward the frustrating narrative of unrealized potential.

Pitts arrived in the NFL in 2021 as one of the most touted tight end prospects in league history. Selected fourth overall by the Falcons, he was the highest-drafted tight end ever, coming off a spectacular junior year in Gainesville. His blend of size, speed, and ball skills drew comparisons to Hall of Fame-caliber receivers, not just tight ends. As a Gator, he was nearly unguardable—hauling in 770 yards and 12 touchdowns in just eight games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. His production and physical tools convinced scouts that he could revolutionize the tight end position at the next level.

In his rookie season, Pitts looked like he was on his way. He posted over 1,000 receiving yards, joining Mike Ditka as only the second rookie tight end to reach that milestone. He became the first rookie tight end in 60 years to post a 1,000-yard season and did so despite inconsistent quarterback play and a struggling Falcons offense. It seemed inevitable that he would only ascend from there. But since then, things have taken a frustrating turn.

The 2022 and 2023 seasons were marred by a lack of consistent usage, uneven quarterback play, and eventually injury. Pitts’ numbers dipped, and so did his presence in the Falcons’ game plan. At times, he was asked to block more than run routes. At others, he seemed to be a decoy on the field, drawing coverage but not getting targets. His unique skill set was underutilized, and many began to wonder whether the Falcons’ coaching staff even knew how to unlock what made him so special in college. The injuries didn’t help either. A torn MCL late in the 2022 season derailed his momentum, and he wasn’t fully himself even when healthy in 2023.

By 2024, the questions surrounding Pitts had grown louder. His raw talent was still obvious—he could still high-point the football like a basketball player snagging a rebound, still separate from safeties with ease, and still outrun linebackers on seam routes. But the numbers didn’t reflect that dominance. He finished the 2024 season with 52 catches for 601 yards and 4 touchdowns—solid, but far from what the Falcons expected from a player they used a top-five pick on. More importantly, it didn’t seem like Pitts was a focal point of Atlanta’s evolving offensive strategy.

And that’s where the 2025 season becomes crucial. The Falcons have overhauled their offense yet again, and Pitts is now entering a contract year—at least in terms of leverage. While the team still holds a fifth-year option and potential franchise tag rights, this is Pitts’ best chance to put his stamp on the NFL. Pro Football Focus, in including him on their “most to prove” list, emphasized the urgency: Pitts has all the physical tools, but this might be the last season where his potential still outweighs his production in the eyes of coaches and front offices.

The Falcons’ quarterback situation heading into 2025 could make all the difference. Atlanta’s inconsistency under center has plagued Pitts throughout his career. From Matt Ryan’s final days to the struggles of Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder, and even through 2024 with a carousel of unsteady hands, Pitts hasn’t had the kind of elite quarterback who could routinely capitalize on mismatches he creates. That may change this season. With the Falcons investing heavily in offensive upgrades—whether via the draft or free agency—there’s a renewed emphasis on getting the most out of their weapons.

New head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson have both said publicly that they view Pitts as a “matchup nightmare” and plan to use him as such. That kind of talk has been heard before, but there’s a growing belief around the league that Atlanta is finally ready to build an offense that flows through its best playmakers. Pitts, at his best, remains nearly unguardable. Linebackers are too slow. Safeties are too small. Even corners have trouble when he lines up outside. If Robinson draws up a game plan similar to the tight end-centric offenses we’ve seen with Travis Kelce in Kansas City or George Kittle in San Francisco, Pitts could be in for a career renaissance.

But nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, especially for tight ends. The position remains one of the most physically demanding on the field—requiring players to block like linemen, run routes like receivers, and absorb hits like running backs. Pitts’ ability to stay healthy, fight through contact, and handle a full workload will be tested like never before. He knows that. And according to those close to him, he’s approaching this offseason with a renewed sense of urgency.

Reports out of Falcons minicamp have been positive. Pitts has reportedly slimmed down slightly to improve his speed and agility, while also focusing on strengthening his lower body to prevent further knee issues. Teammates have praised his work ethic and leadership, noting that he’s become more vocal and engaged during team drills. For a player who’s always let his play do the talking, this new approach may be the mental shift he needs to take the next step.

Former Florida teammates have been watching closely too. Pitts remains a source of pride for the Gators, and his NFL success (or lack thereof) is often viewed as a reflection of the program’s ability to produce elite skill-position talent. Many in Gainesville believe Pitts can still become one of the NFL’s best, and that he just needs the right situation to prove it. Others are more critical, arguing that great players find a way to dominate regardless of system or circumstance. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.

Pitts’ presence on PFF’s list isn’t a slight—it’s an acknowledgment of expectations. Not every player gets mentioned on such a list. Many are beyond the point of proving anything, while others have yet to show enough to even warrant attention. Pitts is in that rare middle ground: a player who’s shown flashes of greatness, but who still has questions lingering. This season offers him a unique opportunity to silence the doubters, reignite the believers, and redefine his legacy.

If he can put together a strong 2025 campaign—something in the ballpark of 70+ receptions, 900+ yards, and a healthy number of touchdowns—it would not only reestablish him as one of the league’s premier weapons, but it would also dramatically shift the conversation around his future. It would position him for a major second contract, whether in Atlanta or elsewhere. It would remind fans and analysts alike why he was once considered a “unicorn” in scouting circles.

But if Pitts stumbles again—whether due to injury, lack of opportunity, or continued inconsistency—the narrative could take a much harsher turn. The NFL moves quickly, and teams don’t always wait around for potential to develop. Another underwhelming year might cement Pitts in the category of “what could have been,” rather than the generational talent so many expected him to become.

As the 2025 NFL season looms, Kyle Pitts is no longer the raw rookie full of promise. He’s a veteran now. A player with something to prove. And thanks to Pro Football Focus, the spotlight will be even brighter. Whether that fuels a breakout or adds pressure remains to be seen. But for Pitts—and the Gator faithful still cheering him on—it’s time to deliver.