2021 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after national championship

One might be wondering why the Chargers would decide to draft a tight end with their first pick, especially since that’s a position that doesn’t usually find itself getting selected this high. That’s a fair concern, but Hunter Henry is set to become a free agent and Kyle Pitts might be the best tight end prospect in years.

The Chargers have a nice young core of players and it’s led by Justin Herbert who had a breakout rookie year at quarterback. What he could use is an elite tight end to rely on. Pitts could be just that.

Pitts might be the most polished tight end in years and if there’s anyone deserving of going early in the first round, this is the guy.

The junior tight end ran away with the Mackey Award — given to the nation’s top tight end — despite playing in just eight games. That’s how good he was. He had 43 catches for 770 yards and 12 touchdowns, capping off an incredible career.

If I were a betting man, I’d say Pitts will be one of the safest and best value picks in the first round this spring.