In the NFL, teams must always keep an eye on the future. Even a team like the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles could quickly sink into mediocrity within a year or two if they don’t keep building.
The Atlanta Falcons, who have missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons since their Super Bowl run in 2016, know this all too well. Fortunately for Atlanta, the team has added some promising talent in two straight draft classes.
A recent feature by ESPN listed wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts as breakout candidates for the 2023 season. ESPN’s Eric Moody chose London, highlighting the rookie receiver’s chemistry with quarterback Desmond Ridder:
London ranked 30th among receivers in yards last year and third among rookies. Only Garrett Wilson (Jets) and Chris Olive (Saints) had better rookie seasons, but London posted a better catch percentage than both.
ESPN’s Field Yates was the one to nominate Pitts. Despite a down year, he’s in position to be one of the NFL’s top tight ends for the foreseeable future. Yates thinks Pitts is poised for a breakout year in 2023:
Despite missing the last seven games with an MCL injury, Pitts was already having a down year compared to his rookie season. However, it’s very hard to knock the former No. 4 pick in the draft for his drop in production when he had little to no connection with quarterback Marcus Mariota — who rarely threw over 200 passing yards in a game.
If the Falcons can get better play from the quarterback position, Pitts and London could become a formidable duo in Atlanta for years to come.
