As part of The Post’s 2021 NFL Draft preview, we examine what the Giants might do at each position. Saturday Tight end.
Let’s get this out there right away: Kyle Pitts is not going to be on the board for the Giants at No. 11. So there’s no use fantasizing about him — unless something truly wild happens at the top of this draft.
Pitts is one of those “generational athlete’’ prospects who used to arrive in the draft every few years and now seem to pop up more and more often. Have we lowered the bar on what “generational’’ actually means? Nevertheless, Pitts looks like next-in-line as far as an NFL pass-catching mismatch, and the Giants would be insane not to consider him. But he figures to be gone before they make a pick.
The tight end room is crowded, with Evan Engram and newly signed veteran Kyle Rudolph (who needs foot surgery) 1-2 at the position. Returnees Kaden Smith and Levine Toilolo provide depth and, in Smith’s case, some intriguing potential.
Engram is heading into the final year of his contract after the Giants picked up his fifth-year option. This will be a huge season for him. His talent is unquestioned, but his hands betray him at the wrong times and he far too often is in the middle of bad things down on the field. Rudolph, 31, has slowed down, but should be a reliable option in the red zone. Toilolo had to take a pay cut to stay on the roster and his spot is tenuous.
Perhaps taking a shot on Day 3 on a pass-catcher such as Tre’ McKitty (Georgia) or Quintin Morris (Bowling Green) makes sense.
