Pitts focusing on mental preparation following breakout rookie season

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is working to improve on the mental aspects of his game ahead of his sophomore campaign in the NFL.

"Mentally, I'm trying to get better," Pitts told reporters following the team's sixth OTA session. "There's always room for improvement. Physically, I'm trying to get bigger, stronger, faster.

"Just the mental side, that kind of helps you play faster, you know what you're doing, you know what the defense is doing, just be able to be the best player you are."

Pitts believes increasing his mental understanding of the game will allow him to evolve as a blocker and help him learn to be a leader.

The 21-year-old pass-catcher exceeded all expectations after the Falcons drafted him fourth overall in 2021 - making him the highest-drafted tight end in league history. The Florida alum led the team with 1,026 yards and averaged 15.1 yards per catch to go along with one touchdown.

Pitts broke the clubs' single-season rookie receiving record and eclipsed Tony Gonzalez's mark for yards by a Falcons tight end in one season.

Pitts enters the 2022 campaign as a focal point of Atlanta's offense following the suspension to receiver Calvin Ridley and the departure of quarterback Matt Ryan.

The team selected Drake London with the 2022 first-round pick and added veteran wideout Bryan Edwards in the offseason.

Pitts is expected to be the top target for quarterback Marcus Mariota or Desmond Ridder.

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