Last year, I did a bunch of articles on players who I expected to take a second-year leap in the 2022 NFL season. Some of those players did just that, soaring to new heights and becoming better dynasty assets. However, others very much did not, losing much of their dynasty value. In this article, I’ll look at the players who failed to hit on their second-year leap and if they have any hope for a year three breakout.
Let’s jump into the first player!
Kyle Pitts, TE ATL
In April 2022, I selected Pitts as a potential second-year leap candidate in an article I couldn’t have been more excited to write. I loved Pitts entering the NFL in 2021, where the Falcons selected him fourth overall as the highest-drafted tight end ever. Then, he had a solid rookie year.
Chart courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
As you can see, he had 68 receptions for 1,026 yards as a rookie, serving as the Falcons’ top receiving option. Unfortunately, he only scored one touchdown, despite the high target volume and playing all 17 games. Due to his lack of touchdown production, Pitts failed to make a massive fantasy impact as a rookie.
I think pitts is a great player, but I think we need to take Drake London into account here. London has QBs best friend written all over him IMO where as PItts has possibly deep play dependent and also of course being used as a blocker since he’s a TE. I do love Pitts tho and would also take his side on any of those trades
I don’t think London really hurts Pitts that much. How ATL runs their offence is the biggest problem. They only averaged 24.4 passes per game in 2022. They had 33.7 passes per game in 2021. That’s potentially losing 2-3 targets per game for Pitts. That is a lot of targets for a TE to lose. So if ATL would ever throw at a league average amount, Pitts would smash. That’s a big if tho. I think league average tends to be around 33-35 passes per game
The Sean Payton hire can only help Javonte, although to your point he needs to stay healthy and show it on the field. He did look electric at times during his rookie year and as a dual threat (passing game too!)
