Falcons OC Zac Robinson: Kyle Pitts learning tight end and receiver positions

The Atlanta Falcons aren’t hiding the fact that tight end Kyle Pitts is really a big-bodied receiver.

Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson noted this offseason that Pitts is cross-training at both TE and wide receiver in an effort to get the new scheme down.

“He’s learning basically two different positions,” Robinson said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “There’s some tight end, and there’s some receiver. So, he’s got a lot on his plate. He’s handled it really well. I’m just excited to see him continue to get more comfortable in the system.”

It’s not new for Pitts to be handled as a receiver. In 2023, under then-Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, Pitts lined up tight 156 times (22%), per Next Gen Stats. He lined up out wide on 200 snaps (29%) and in the slot on 339 (49%). Since the Florida product entered the league, he’s been utilized as a receiver in tight end’s clothing.

The Falcons revamped the receiver room this offseason, adding speed around No. 1 wideout Drake London in the form of Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore and Ray-Ray McCloud. Utilizing Pitts as a big receiver makes sense with the makeup of the rest of the unit.

ATL hopes Robinson’s scheme can help unlock Pitts after two down seasons for the former No. 4 overall pick. After a 1,026-yard rookie season, the TE generated 356 yards in 2022 while dealing with injury and 667 yards in 2023 despite playing in 17 games.

“We’ll move him around the formation,” Robinson said. “We’ll use him as a blocker. We’ll use him as a receiver. We’ll use him all across the board.”