The San Francisco 49ers shocked the NFL world on March 26 when they traded a haul of draft picks to move up to the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft. It got everyone talking and speculating. Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson was going through his pro day when the news broke. General manager John Lynch was in attendance, and the story seemed to overshadow the workout of the player widely expected to go No. 2 overall.
While everyone immediately assumed the 49ers' blockbuster move was for their quarterback of the future, which was confirmed by Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan three days later, one confident top prospect wasn't so sure.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler shared the story.
Shortly after the trade, University of Florida's tight ends coach, Tim Brewster, received a text from one of his former players, tight end Kyle Pitts. It read, "Is it a QB or is it me?"
Pitts might be the first non-quarterback drafted next week. However, it is unlikely to be by San Francisco.
The last time the Niners selected a tight end in the first round was when the team selected Vernon Davis at No. 6 overall in 2006. Most wouldn't question that San Francisco moved up for a quarterback. Although, Pitts is a special breed of player. He may be a tight end, but his unique combination of size, speed, and skill could easily make him one of the best receiving threats in the league. You could slap a wide receiver label on him, and no one would question it.
"Best tight end film I've ever evaluated — by far," one veteran NFL offensive coach told Fowler. "Playing him like a traditional tight end is like leaving a Porsche in the garage."
Today, despite a quarterback being the most likely pick at No. 3, Good Morning Football's Nate Burleson named Pitts as his "perfect fit" for the 49ers.
With the 3rd overall pick, the @49ers should select __________. 🤔@nateburleson says it WON'T be a QB 👀 (via @gmfb) pic.twitter.com/CBuRcatg7N
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 22, 2021
"Just imagine that for a second," Burleson told his co-hosts. "The host of running backs, you get Deebo Samuel healthy, you get George Kittle, who could be the best tight end in the business. Now, you complement him with a hybrid wide receiver/running back? This is the perfect fit. I mean, the perfect Pitts. I'm not just saying this for Pitts and giggles. This will be an absolute Pitts show.
"Listen, this dude is a beast right now. Listen, any DB, linebacker, safety, they will be up Pitts creek without a paddle. 'I'm not going up against this San Francisco 49ers offense.' I say Kyle Pitts to the 49ers."