Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft is bound to split Cincinnati Bengals fans down the middle.
The Bengals stand pat at No. 5 and take Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
For some fans, that’s an amazing idea — Pitts is an elite weapon who will open up the offense. Plus, the team didn’t hit the wide receiver need despite attempting to do so in free agency.
For other fans it’s a terrible idea — the mission is to protect Joe Burrow, how effective can the offense be if Burrow is always on his back?
Either way, here’s the writeup from Kiper:
“All along, I’ve thought it was going to be an offensive tackle here, but if Pitts and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are on the board, can the Bengals really pass them up? Joe Burrow has to get more playmakers around him. I think Pitts is just too good, and he would instantly upgrade this offense. He is one of the most talented tight ends I’ve ever graded, and there are people in the NFL who think he could be the second-best prospect in this class. With a deep offensive line class, Cincinnati could likely find a starting tackle or guard at the top of Round 2.”
The pick came with Ja’Marr Chase and Penei Sewell on the board after quarterbacks were the first four picks.
The reality? Pitts is a luxury pick and about as close to a generational talent at tight end as we’re like to see for a long time. Hitting needs in free agency opened up the draft to take the best player available and that would appear to be Pitts.
Drafting Pitts looks quite a bit better if the team can still nail down a starting-caliber guard in free agency such as Trai Turner, of course.
