5 players Bengals should draft in the first round

4. Kyle Pitts

One potential way for the Bengals to protect Burrow in 2021 is to get the ball out of his hands quicker when he drops back to pass. Landing a potential star tight end like Pitts could help increase the rapidity of Cincinnati’s aerial attack.

There can be no debate as to whether or not Pitts is the No. 1 tight end in this class. He deserves that distinction by some distance over the competition. The question is whether or not any tight end can provide enough value to justify being selected in the top five.

Pitts’ versatility as a receiver should make the answer to that question a resounding “yes.” It’s probably more accurate to evaluate him as a slot receiver than merely as a tight end. He’s got the size and speed to defeat any defensive back that tries to match up with him no matter where he lines up.

Even so, the Bengals have more pressing needs than securing an upgrade over Drew Sample as their No. 1 tight end. Burrow would really benefit from having Pitts to throw to, but Cincinnati should have bigger needs to fill at No. 5.