Heat vs. Bucks: The First Round Matchup Everyone Deserved

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An NBA regular season filled with tons of chaos, uncertainty, and constant injury problems has come to its end. We arrived at the only logical place a constantly illogical season could come to — a first-round matchup featuring the two teams that clashed in a series that caught many by surprise in the Orlando Bubble last year. A series in which Miami thoroughly outplayed and embarrassed a Milwaukee team that looked like a deer in headlights.

The soul of the Bucks was removed and eaten alive by the Heat and Jimmy Butler. Miami would reach the NBA Finals in a run that captivated the fans in such an indescribable way. It would lead to an offseason filled with questions and doubts about the future for the Bucks and their fans. Two divergent paths paved by an unexpected series. Milwaukee would attempt to answer these questions by putting all the chips on the table for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Bucks traded for Jrue Holiday in a move that screamed of understandable desperation to ensure Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stay in Cream City. The gamble paid off as Giannis would go on to sign a Super Max Contract later that offseason. For Miami, it was much less drastic with some minor signings here and there. The big move they did make was giving Bam Adebayo a max contract of his own.

The regular season felt as if both teams were tuning up and training for this very moment. Imagine a Rocky-like montage, only it lasted 5+ months, and if Miami’s side included even more weights (IE: a shorter turnaround + protocols) holding them down. Everyone on the outside wondered where it would all lead towards in the end. Much like a Rocky movie, the end game features a rematch scripted to perfection.

We could have gotten a Heat-Hawks series or a Bucks-Knicks matchup — but what fun would that have been? Those same divergent paths once forged have crossed each other again. This series will have either made this season worth it for one fan base or lead into another offseason filled with questions needing answers. If Miami loses, there might get an empty feeling out of “what was this year all for?” If Milwaukee falters, it could lead to the most extended look in the mirror that Giannis and the franchise will ever encounter. The same point LeBron James and the Cavaliers had after losing to the Boston Celtics in 2010.

The difference being that Giannis has already decided to be in Milwaukee for the long term. More heads will roll, and I imagine those would include Coach Mike Budenholzer and maybe a prominent player. Could that player be Khris Middleton? I’m not advocating for that, but the front office might see it a different way, especially if Middleton has a tough series.

But the feeling of pure ignorance and bliss that Miami would get from a win would fuel the supposed “Cocky Heat Fan” for eternity. A victory that would make this season worth something when it looked like all was lost. While this may seem like such a small victory, for a team that’s dealt with as much as the Heat have, it’s bigger than that. Things really do change when circumstances throw different curveballs at you.

The win would also push back at all the “bubble fluke” talk throughout the past year. And for Milwaukee, they would have conquered their demons and somewhat justified the offseason moves in only one round. These types of stakes make the playoffs so fun, and we should be grateful to get it this early. Everyone will get more answers in this series than they would have gotten with the other alternatives.

It won’t only be the teams and fans getting and giving these answers, but for some individual players, like I mentioned earlier with Khis Middleton. Giannis will find out if it was right of him to put this much trust in the team when he could have waited until he was a Free Agent to test the waters. Bam Adebayo will have another opportunity to show everyone why he will be a force to be reckoned with for the next decade. Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro can show everyone that it wasn’t the bubble that made them such deadly snipers from 3. Jrue Holiday and Goran Dragic with an opportunity to swing the series as the x-factors they’ve been dubbed.

Kendrick Nunn out to prove to the front offices that they should stick around past this season and that the playoffs last year were an aberration. We’ll all get to see so many of these storylines unfold in a series that will be the most fun in the Eastern Conference. Personally, I’m very excited to see the chess match that Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy pull on the Bucks and Mike Budenholzer. We’ve seen the adjustments and lengths Coach Spo is willing to go to throughout the course of a playoff series. Budenholzer may have shown a willingness to do new things during the regular season, but these are the playoffs. It’s an entirely new kind of animal in comparison. And we all know the mind games Jimmy Butler can create to throw you off balance. I look forward to seeing what he has in store this time around.

Milwaukee played everyone in their last regular season to lock up this matchup, indirectly saying they’re ready for the Heat. Miami squandered a couple of games they should have captured during the regular season but played their best basketball during the last month and a half to ensure their place. These are the beds that both these teams made themselves, and now they’ll have to lie in them. Well, more like fight in them to make sure someone gets a good night’s rest.

The basketball is going to be amazing, chippy, and filled with memorable moments. Everyone will get the answers they seek. There’s no waiting around for the second round of the conference finals. The time is now to see what they’re made of. No one flinched when this matchup was on the horizon. Now we’ll see who blinks first when it comes to the actual games. In a season that felt so empty, this is an opportunity to make it feel slightly filled. The NBA’s first-round series are rarely as compelling as this one will be. Let’s bask in the fun that’s about to happen in front of us.

 

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5 Takeaways from Panthers Game 1 loss to Lightning

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The Tampa Bay Lightning came away with a 5-4 win against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of their first-round series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Panthers played a competitive game, but Tampa’s last minute goal sealed the deal on the first game. Here are tonight’s five takeaways.

 

The Crowd

With the home-ice advantage and an increased crowd capacity, the Panthers were feeding off of the crowd energy. Even before the puck dropped, the BB&T Center was electric. Rally towels were waiving, rats were flying onto the ice and the fans’ cheers and boos echoed throughout the arena. 

Every hit, scoring chance and takeaway was followed by excitement from the crowd. One of the biggest reasons why playoff hockey is so exciting is because of the fans and the 9,646 in attendance kept the building rocking all night.

Game 2 will once again be at the BB&T Center. The Panthers faithful will show out as their team is down in the series. 

 

Physical Play was Prevalent 

As said in the 5 keys to the series, you have to play physical and hungry to win the game. Tampa was aggressive, but Florida didn’t let that scare them. From the opening faceoff the entire Panthers team was letting their presence be felt. Even captain Aleksander Barkov wasn’t afraid to throw the body. 

We saw a glimpse of the physical play in the last two games of the season between these two teams. There were 156 penalty minutes in the Panthers 5-1 win on May 8.

It seemed like every few shifts someone was in the penalty box for a roughing penalty. I’ve never seen a game with so many 4-on-4 chances. This is playoff hockey, these two teams don’t like each other, expect more of this.

 

Letting Tampa Set Up

The defending Stanley Cup Champions were as dangerous as ever in the offensive zone. The Lightning converted on three of their power plays tonight, they only scored once when it was 5-on-5.

Their 5-on-5 zone entries were also something that had the Panthers on their heels. When Tampa got some space in the offensive zone, they were able to create quality scoring chances. 

Tampa has too much offensive firepower, if they get the chance to set up, they’ll make you pay, which they did tonight against the Panthers. 

 

Refs gonna Ref

The story of tonight’s game was the officiating. In the opening period, Sam Bennett seemed to have opened the scoring with a power play goal. However, it was quickly waived off for goaltender interference. The replay showed that the puck was loose, the goal should have counted. Tampa immediately scored a short-handed goal, giving them the lead.

There were plenty of questionable calls in this game and it seemed like the Panthers got the short end of the stick. 

The dying minutes of the game saw Ryan Lomberg get tripped in the Lightning zone. What seemed like a penalty was waived off by the referees. Shortly after, Brayden Point scored the game winning goal.

 

The Stars Shined

Both teams are lucky to boast some of the best forwards in the NHL. Tonight, the stars  stepped up for both teams. 

Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov scored two power play goals in his first game of the season. The last time he played was Game 6 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals. His teammate Brayden Point also scored tonight for the Lightning. Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman, Point and Kucherov combined for nine points on the night.

Florida’s top guns didn’t disappoint either. Jonatha Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and Sam  Bennett all had multiple points tonight. Huberdeau and Barkov have been on this team for so many years, yet they barely sniffed the postseason. We said in our 5 keys to the series, you need to get your big boys on the board early. Safe to say the Panthers and Lightning did just that. 

Chris Bosh: Unique, Dynamic… and a Hall of Famer

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Dynamic tends to describe the action of events in the reactionary. We view, we process and we describe. Christopher Wesson Bosh never waited to be described as dynamic. He just was.

Over the course of a 12 year career he defined himself by being indefinable. Iconic moments and legendary stories laid in the wake of his dominance, and while he did dominate the basketball court, he also dominated our fascination. It was Chris’s world, and we were just along for the ride. So lets take one more trip with him back in time and recap five of my favorite Bosh moments:

 

1. Game 7 June 9th 2012 Eastern Conference Finals — Heat/Celtics

When a dunk in Game 1 of the Indiana series sidelined him, surgery must of been on his mind, after watching Mike Miller suffer a similar injury earlier in the season. You would have never known it was though. Chris stayed positive, and that positivity was rewarded with a MRI that reflected no tear in the abdominal muscle. He would return, it was just a matter of how, and when.

While Chris rehabbed and began treatment, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra had to adjust. We all remember the “stare” from LeBron James, and what he did to the Celtics in TD Garden to save the season, and possibly Spoelstra’s tenure, in Game 6. But it wasn’t just him. Bosh was on the floor, and he made an impact: 19 points, 8-for-10 from the floor and eight rebounds. The King of Dragons himself (favored nickname in china, no seriously!) played a critical role in holding Kevin Garnett to one of his worst games in the series, all while still playing in pain. 

 

2. Feb 7, 2007 — Orlando/Toronto 41 points

Bosh was already a 2-time all star, and that year was selected to the game with the 2nd most votes for a forward. On this night in the Air Canada Centre, the arena echoed with MVP chants, with a smile all over his face.

41 Points | 8 RBs | 3 AST | Bosh had arrived.

 

3. The Rebound — Game 6 2012 SAS/MIA  

One of my favorite tweets from Chris Bosh was sent on Jul 7, 2020. It quote-tweeted Jeff Eisenband, who asked to describe a favorite sports moment. Chris responded in customary fashion: “I got a rebound and made a pass.” So Chris. So everything he exemplified in a heat uniform. The constant pro, always deflecting, always lifting up his teammates. Ray Allen’s shot saved a season, but Chris Bosh’s rebound saved legacies: 13 men stand today with their hands a little heavier from rings because Chris did the thing he always did since entering the league. Gave maximum effort, and complete willingness to be the best teammate he can be.

Can you hear the Mike Breen call in your head too?



 

4. The Video-bombs…

Chris is a goofball, he understood the importance of levity to team chemistry. Since he was one of the more learnt, introspective men in the league, I must assume this videobombing was a calculated decision. What made some of those heat runs so entertaining and so damn enjoyable was the love that came across in his interactions with teammates. Specifically you knew that as the 27-game win streak was growing in 2012, so was the brotherhood, the camaraderie….and their title chances. Ill never forget those winner circle postgame interviews and I like to think, as much development happened there as on the practice court.

 

 

5. His Miami Superman Moment: Dec. 29 2013  in Portland

There’s something so iconic about LeBron rushing the court at Portland with a strained groin, to then take some shots at Chris’s chest before draping a cape over his shoulder. (In retrospect that probably had to hurt)

It’s easy to forget, after watching LaMarcus Aldridge play last year, but he was a dominant force at the time for the Portland Trail Blazers, a difficult task for any defender. Bosh’s 37 points may be the grabber, but the battle in the trenches with Aldridge was part of the story too. Aldridge put up 20 shots that night. The team continued to trust his offense and Bosh continued to trust his grit. Limiting Aldridge to 22 points on those attempts puts Miami at the end of the game to call up one play.

Spoelstra likely knew he needed to go the guy who had earned the moniker Big Shot Bosh. The problem was he wanted to tie, and Chris, wanted to win. The play that won the game was changed, because the player who always accepted the moment,saw the opportunity to write his own ending. The ball is inbounded from Norris Cole to Dwyane Wade, who bobbles slightly before driving to the basket, pulling Aldridge away, allowing Bsh to clear far behind the arc. The pass is made, the shot is fired, the rest is history.

Though with Chris Bosh, making history would become habit.

 

 

Ready or Not, The Miami Heat Are Arriving

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The Miami Heat have experienced more than the usual ups and downs of a regular NBA season this year. And who could blame them with such irregular circumstances clouding this uncertain season? From the lowest points of starting Gabe Vincent for almost a week. To losing to shorthanded Clippers and Warriors teams in back-to-back games in February. The dark grey cloud of underperforming and the “bubble fluke” moniker looked as though it was starting to accumulate mass the further the season went on after a loss to the shorthanded Hawks in Atlanta.

Little did the fanbase know the team was slowly getting their rhythm together and smoothing the edges as they worked in Trevor Ariza and Dewayne Dedmon. The loss in Atlanta may still be frustrating, but it looks more like a hiccup than a reflection of what the team is starting to represent. After all of that work of building consistent habits — we’re witnessing the fruits of their labor come together now. The team you’re starting to see on the floor may have taken a while to get revved up, but it’s got a full tank of gas (unlike most of Florida) now and is ready for the race of the Postseason.

Those games in January where everything was as off-kilter as you can imagine didn’t help much. Neither did the roster’s construction that took until about a month ago to finally start making sense. Everyone was getting a late start into this unholy mess of a season. But now that the mess is clearing itself up by way of the trade deadline burden being gone, the PF spot filled up by Ariza, and the bench giving huge contributions. This team is finally resembling Miami Heat basketball.

Everyone has settled into and thriving in their respective roles at the perfect time. Jimmy and Bam are the 1-2 punch leading the charge. Kendrick Nunn has settled nicely as the starting guard playing within himself alongside them and giving timely baskets when he can. Duncan Robinson is not only hitting three-pointers at a nearly automatic level but has made amazing strides on the defensive end. The bench duo of Goran Dragic and Tyler Herro has been on fire since Tyler came back from his injury, shooting 57% from 3 with a +20 Net Rating. Dewayne Dedmon and Trevor Ariza have plugged those holes the team desperately needed while not taking any mess from anyone.

This is all everyone wanted to see shine through as the light at the end of the tunnel. Now we see the usual “March” run that Erik Spoelstra teams go through, only it’s slightly delayed due to the scheduling around this chaotic season. “I want to win. We just know what we’re capable of,” Jimmy Butler said after the blowout win against the 76ers. They know they’re starting to break the shackles of this covid season towards what could be another memorable postseason run.

The trials and tribulations of this year could have broken them. They just as easily could have said, “it’s not our year,” and packed it in like the Boston Celtics. The loss versus Atlanta might have been the final blow for any other team in their position, but they pushed through. Jimmy Butler gave them a kick in the pants they so desperately needed not too long ago, both on and off the floor. Their record since Butler’s returned from his Covid-related absence stands at 32-19, which is 4th best in the east during that span.

That kick that Jimmy gives is like that of a horse you never want to be on the wrong side of. You’re either riding with him, or you’re getting bucked off as swiftly as possible. And this Heat team looks like they’re ready to be the cavalry. This recent stretch has felt like them sending a message to the rest of the league that they’re not afraid of anything, anyone, and any team. Jimmy Butler said to TNT, “nobody intimidates us.”

It certainly looks that way when you watch that killer instinct start to return to them. Udonis Haslem’s game against the 76ers was the perfect encapsulation of the energy the team is manifesting right now. No fear only pure unwavering action, boss. They’re not afraid of a team led by Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. They have Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Not to mention a coach in Erik Spoelstra that knows what it takes to adjust throughout a playoff series. They’re going to throw everything and everyone imaginable at Philadelphia in a series should they meet.

Atlanta? New York? The lack of a homecourt advantage doesn’t scare them. They’re battle-tested, unlike those likely first-round opponents. Milwaukee? Sure they added Jrue Holiday, but that mental space Miami owns in their heads can’t be overlooked. I’m not saying this will be easy by any means. I’m not even guaranteeing a win for Miami either. But do you want to doubt a Jimmy Butler and Erik Spoelstra-led team to vanquish Giannis and Coach Budenholzer once again?

I’m not here to tell you Miami should be considered the favorites. But there’s a path here for them to get to the Conference Finals once again. As last year proved, a path is all they need as long as Jimmy Butler is the one leading them through it, no matter how treacherous it may seem. There’s no better guiding light.

And what a delicious dish it would be to serve to the bigger outlets and “bubble fluke” pushers than another deep playoff run. Do you think the guys in that locker room don’t hear those whispers themselves? We’re talking about a team filled with guys who have been counted out and misunderestimated numerous times. We’re in for a wild ride this postseason, and I would not have sounded this enthused only a month ago. As one of Jimmy Butler’s favorite singers, Taylor Swift, said, “these things will change. Can you feel it now?”

Erik Spoelstra never sacrificed throughout the year for a few cheap regular-season wins here and there. He stuck with his plan and now it’s paying off. Jimmy Butler is averaging the lowest minutes of his career thanks to this plan. That lift on his jumper looks as good as it ever has in his Miami tenure. Butler is more than ready to be fully unleashed on whichever opponent wants to try him. The offense looks like that well-oiled machine we’ve grown accustomed to. They’ve been a top 5 team in terms of offensive rating since April. Imagine telling that to someone not too long ago.

It may have been a bumpy right filled with plenty of unexpected stops, but this is what the fans have been waiting for. Everyone seems to have found their guts. Nothing is scarier than a Miami Heat team with rhythm, led by a top 2 Coach, a rested proven playoff superstar and a fear of no one. The team will take the battle to whoever stands in their way. I’m ready to watch them fight and to make their opponent never feel comfortable. I hope you’re ready too.

5 Keys to the Panthers-Lightning Playoff Series

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For the first time in franchise history, the Florida Panthers will face their cross-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning in a playoff series. 

After finishing the 2020-2021 NHL regular season with 79 points in 56 games, the Panthers locked up the] second seed in the Discover Central Division, giving them home-ice advantage for their first round matchup against the Lightning. While Florida won the season series against the defending Stanley Cup Champions with a 5-2-1 record, the playoffs are a different monster. 

Here are the five keys to the Panthers-Lightning playoff series.

Stay Out of the Box

It’s obvious that you don’t want to take penalties in a hockey game, but when you are playing the Tampa Bay Lightning, that’s all the more reason not to go down a man. In the final three games of the season Florida did a really good job of shutting down Tampa’s powerplay. The Lightning were 0-12 on the man advantage over that stretch. 

However, Tampa still ranked NO. 8 in the league on the man advantage during the season, and they are expected to have captain Steven Stamkos and 2019 Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov back in the lineup sometime during the first round. With these two coming back alongside Brayden Point and Norris Trophy winner Victor Headman, their powerplay will be as lethal as ever. 

Throughout the year Florida had an average penalty kill at best, ranking 17th in the NHL at 79.8 percent. Tampa knows how to put the puck in the net, keep them off the power play. 

Use the Team’s Depth to your Advantage 

Bill Zito did an amazing job constructing this Panthers team in his first season as GM. Four of the seven leading scorers on the team weren’t on the roster last season and Florida has dressed over 20 skaters who didn’t suit up in a game last year for the Cats. All four forward lines have the talent and skill to compete with Tampa. 

Teams that have gone on to win the cup in the past have always relied on their bottom 6 to provide quality minutes down the stretch. Last year the Lightning relied on players like Barclay Goodrow and Blake Coleman to bring energy to the ice when the top 6 wasn’t on. 

The Panthers have guys like Noel Acciari, Frank Vatrano and Patric Hornqvist who can go toe-to-toe with any line Tampa throws at them. Florida has a surplus of forwards who can come in and out of the lineup throughout a long and physical playoff series, this depth will prove to be beneficial in this matchup.

Get the Stars Rolling Early

Playoff hockey isn’t for the weak. The intensity of the game picks up, the physicality increases, and the goals become tougher to come by. The best thing for a team in a playoff series is to get their star players involved on the scoresheet early. Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau have once again proven to be elite hockey players this season. The duo averaged over a point per game on the season and they both hit the 20 goal mark. But the longtime Panthers aren’t alone this year. 

The offseason acquisitions of Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Patric Hornqvist and Alexander Wennberg have not only helped the Panthers this season, but it also took a large part of the offensive responsibilities off of Barkov and Huberdeau. Bill Zito also made a trade at the deadline for proven playoff performer and 2014 4th overall pick, Sam Bennett, from Calgary. Bennett has 15 points in 10 games this season for the Panthers and has 19 points in 30 career postseason games with the Flames. 

Throughout the season they all played a huge part in getting Florida to the playoffs. If these guys can show up offensively early in the series, Tampa is going to have a hard time trying to shut them down over seven games.

Win the Goalie Battle

Whoever is in net for the Panthers in game 1 will be going up against 2019 Vezina winner Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy has once again proven to be one of the world’s top goalies this season, winning 31 of his 42 starts with a 2.21 GAA and a .925 save percentage. He has had a great year, but the Panthers have been one of the only teams in the league who consistently put multiple goals up on him, including nine total in their final two meetings of the season.

The Panthers have three goalies to choose from for this series. Sergei Bobrovsky won 19 of his 30 starts and has looked significantly better than he did last season for Florida. He has started the most games this season for the Panthers. Florida’s other goalie Chris Dreidger also had an impressive 2020-2021 campaign, winning 14 of his 23 starts and posting a .927 save percentage with a 2.07 GAA. Rookie Spencer Knight is also on the roster. The 20-year-old is 4-0-0 in his NHL career.

No matter who gets the crease for the majority of this series, they need to stand on their head. Tampa has the offensive firepower to score a few quick goals and run away with the game. You don’t want to be playing behind in the playoffs against the defending champions. 

Goalies win championships and Florida has a few really talented netminders who can steal them a playoff series if needed. 

Bring the Physicality

This Panthers team is different than any other team I have seen. This roster is physical, strong and hungry. In the final two games of the season, Florida needed three points to clinch home-ice advantage for the first round. 

Tampa came to town and tried to bring the pressure to the Cats. Florida didn’t back down from the fight, or fights. On May 8, the Florida-Tampa game had 154 total penalty minutes and a large part of that was due to the bad blood between the two sides. Everytime Tampa came out aggressive, everyone on Florida answered the bell and the Cats took that game 5-1. The Panthers made the message clear that night, they weren’t going to let anyone beat them up at their home in front of their fans.

The BB&T Center will be at nearly 50 percent capacity for the first round. With the building rocking and the city excited, Florida will feed off of that energy and bring the game to Tampa.

What to Expect

Both teams have a lot to play for in this series. Tampa just won the cup and they want to defend it, not lose in the first round. Florida has little playoff experience and they just saw the only other NHL team in their state win the whole thing last year, they don’t want to be the little brother anymore. From what we saw over the eight regular season games, these two sides clearly don’t like each other. Expect a hard fought, extremely exciting and not so “polite’ series in this first round matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

 

Dewayne Dedmon Revived a Dying Heat Bench

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The death of the NBA’s traditional big man has been well documented for the past decade. Traditionalists have pointed to the league’s infatuation with the three-point line as the main culprit — as well as players not looking to score on the block like Tim Duncan or Hakeem Olajuwon. In reality, big men have adapted and come in so many different shapes and sizes. You have Nikola Jokic punishing guys on the inside with his lumbering post moves that feel like the world’s most violent pillow fight. But he also can step out to the three-point line and serve up a sweet jumper or dissect you with his passing on the elbows.

Then there’s Joel Embiid and his brute strength, touch, and array of moves mesmerizing from the low block in his own way. Even if you’re not in this elite class of Centers, there’s still room for you in today’s game. You can be a rim runner who provides rim protection or a stretch five coming off the bench for spacing. This is a league where there is room for Rudy Gobert, Nerlens Noel, Dwight Powell, and Kelly Olynyk.

But for the Miami Heat this season, it’s been a roller coaster of finding any semblance of a solid backup Center. The only player who that could have been, in Kelly Olynyk, was forced to start alongside Bam Adebayo due to the team’s lack of Power Forward at the time. Chris Silva and Precious Achiuwa were far too up and down (mostly down) for any semblance of a steady bench big.

After the trade that sent away the long-haired Canadian, Miami’s search would get even dicier. Nemanja Bjelica was seen as the obvious plug-in for Kelly. But the Belly Olynyk experiment failed in only a week. Precious Achiuwa was called out of the bullpen once again by Erik Spoelstra. Those minutes went as well as you would guess. Would Coach Spo and the team find that solid backup Center that seemingly every team in the league has? Where would their Nerlens Noel/Dario Saric/Marc Gasol/Naz Reid come from?

No one could have guessed that the answer would come in the form of a player who hadn’t seen an NBA court for over a year. Dewayne Dedmon arrived in Miami and secured the role with only a couple of auditions under his belt. The name wasn’t flashy like Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin, or LaMarcus Aldridge at the time. Everyone was skeptical if he would even get playing time when the team inked him for the rest of the season. It seemed to the public Miami had only done the signing to avoid being fined for not having enough players on the roster.

But as always, Erik Spoelstra and the staff knew something we didn’t. They had a plan for the 7-feet tall big man with a 7’4 wingspan. They worked him in little by little until he had earned the minutes and trust from Coach Spo. The activity on the offensive glass was akin to Brian Grant in his heyday. The ability to set such solid screens and give the guards even more room to operate despite not being a spacer. Dedmon offered legitimate vertical spacing off the bench that was reminiscent of Chris “Birdman” Andersen.

He was filling in a role the Heat and their fans had yearned for so long—a backup center allowing you to rest your star in Bam Adebayo while simultaneously giving you a boost. They’re no longer buying time with their backup big. The team is making actual runs with their bench units — which were foreign to the team for most of the year. Dedmon has allowed a much better balance all around and given roster flexibility to the team as a whole. It isn’t as important as having a healthy Victor Oladipo, but it’s still important for a team dealing within the margins like Miami is doing.

Dedmon has been malleable in terms of fitting in with so many of the Heat’s important perimeter players. The Net Ratings of lineups featuring Dedmon with the rest of the regulars include a +27.2 with Jimmy Butler, +31.1 with Trevor Ariza, +26.7 with Kendrick Nunn, and a +18 with Goran Dragic. That last number is important because Dedmon and Dragic will see many of their minutes together for the rest of the season. Goran has talked about their chemistry and how hard Dedmon plays while still being really smart in his limited minutes. It’s given him a pick and roll partner who sets punishing screens and allows him to operate in more space.

They’re still working out the kinks, as Goran admitted in a recent postgame presser. But if this is what tinkering looks like, then it’s a good sign for what it’ll look like once they seriously start gelling. While the defense hasn’t been as impressive as the other end — it is still miles ahead of where the team’s bench was not too long ago. Dedmon’s size and wingspan are more of a deterrent to players who get into the lane. Bjelica and Achiuwa weren’t providing that same juice.

Dedmon has also shown the staff that he is willing to learn different coverages and adapt to those styles, whether coming out and blitzing or dropping back. He is much better at meeting the offensive player at the screen than Bjelica was while providing the necessary time for his teammates to recover and getting back to his initial man. He’s a vet who has seen every coverage in the book and won’t hesitate to adjust to whatever the team needs from him.

Everyone wanted the big flashy name during the transaction period a couple of months back. The DeMarcus Cousins of the world were constantly brought up as if they were the saviors of the season. The Miami Heat didn’t need a savior; they needed solid. They needed what the Washington Wizards had gotten when they swiped Daniel Gafford from the Chicago Bulls. The league is filled with so many rotation-level big men that could come in and give you a solid 15-20 minutes. Players that you don’t need to sign to big contracts because they’re easier to replace, in a way that the Running Back has become in the NFL.

The Heat finally found their Dion Lewis or James White after a search that looked like it would end in more Precious Achiuwa minutes. He may not start a game this season, but the productive change of pace he gives on a nightly basis was more than I expected him to give. The big man isn’t dead; it’s still around and playing a key role all around the league, as guys like Dedmon have demonstrated. It may not be flashy, but they’re getting the work done. Work that Miami has finally found getting done after so many applicants.

Jaylen waddle, drafted No. 6 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft. (Criag Davis for Five Reasons Sports)

Pressure Point: Dolphins opt for athletic playmakers in Waddle, Phillips

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The Miami Dolphins addressed a pressing need right out of the gate Thursday in the opening round of the NFL Draft when they selected Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle with the No. 6 pick.

They rolled the dice for a big-play target for Tua Tagovailoa in his former Crimson Tide teammate.

Waddle made the point when asked on ESPN about his primary asset moments after the pick was announced.

“Playmaking ability,” he said. “I’ll do my best to try to showcase that.”

They got another playmaker, this time on defense, when they took University of Miami defensive end Jaelan Phillips at No. 18. Phillips, who played one season for the Hurricanes, was the first pass-rusher selected.

Dolphins picks fill key positions on offense, defense

Both players are impressive athletes who come with some questions. They were both fan-pleasing picks, focused on glamour positions of both sides of the ball.

Regarding Waddle, the intriguing question will be whether the Dolphins made the right choice from a premium array of top-tier receivers.

The Dolphins clearly put their money on speed, which is never a bad bet.

Through pre-draft trades with San Francisco and Philadelphia that took them from the No. 3 pick to 6 by way of 12, they moved themselves out of the running for Florida tight end extraordinaire Kyle Pitts, who was the first non-quarterback taken at No. 4 by Atlanta.

LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase was then reunited with his college quarterback, Joe Burrow, with the No. 5 pick by Cincinnati.

Then came the Dolphins with the choice between speedy but slight Alabama receivers. They opted for Waddle over Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, who eventually went 10th to the Eagles.

The fun will come in comparing the careers of this group in the coming years. That is the measuring stick of the draft.

Similarly, Tagovailoa faces questions about whether the Dolphins erred last year in taking him over Justin Herbert, who went to the Chargers one pick later and had a record-setting rookie season. The final verdict is still on the horizon.

Waddle compared to Tyreek Hill

This time, Pitts was my preference for Miami, but the Dolphins opted for a receiver with explosive speed who can stretch the defense deep or turn a short route into a big gain. Waddle has the ability to create separation through acceleration, which was notably missing among Dolphins receivers last season.

A stat that stands out is Waddle averaged 9.8 yards after the catch during his career, the most among all Power 5 receivers since 2014, according to Pro Football Focus.

The popular comparison is with Kansas City Chiefs five-time Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill.

“I get a lot of comparisons to Tyree just because of our small size and being able to be a runner,” Waddle said in a conference call with South Florida media Thursday night. “But I want to be my own player and try to play the game that I play. … So I think I’m going to try to be the player I always have been and try to make plays for the team.”

Waddle gets a head start in that he already has chemistry with Tagovailoa, as would have been the case if Smith had been chosen.

Choice between Alabama teammates

Did Miami pick the right Alabama receiver?

If Waddle didn’t break an ankle in October, maybe he wins the Heisman. Through four games, he was putting up better numbers than Smith, averaging 139.3 yards a game and 22.3 per catch.

Which will become the better pro? The Dolphins saw enough to make a distinction in their evaluation.

Waddle can fly, and is a tremendous kick returner, aided by 4.37 (40-yard-dash) speed.

Give him bonus points for returning to limp through the national championship game and contributing three catches. He didn’t participate in a pro day but says he’s over the injury.

As with Smith, there are questions about Waddle’s size. He is 5-9 ½ and 182 pounds. Similar stature hasn’t hampered Hill or others like Hall of Fame receivers Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce.

Soon-to-be-teammate Phillips offered a defensive player’s view on Waddle, saying, “He’s a dog. I’ve been watching him for a little while now and he’s just electric, man. He’s a playmaker through and through. I was super-excited to get to know him. I know he’s going to contribute to this team greatly.”

Phillips overcame career-threatening injuries

Phillips, who expressed joy about remaining in the 305, comes with a troubling injury history while at UCLA and it appeared his football career was over before resurrecting it at Miami.

He showcased his pass-rushing skills last season and put on a dazzling performance at the UM pro day, which certainly elevated his draft stock.

“I had two concussions while I was at UCLA. I play football, man, it’s a physical sport. Ask anybody in the NFL, I guarantee they’ve had some concussions in their time. It’s nothing to be worried about,” Phillips said Thursday night.

The physical aspect of the game means nothing is a given beyond draft day.

The Dolphins added obvious talent at two vital skilled positions to start this draft. They have six more picks over the next two days.

The rigors of football will determine how it all plays out.

Dolphins remaining 2021 draft picks:

  • Round 2: No. 36 (from HOU)
  • Round 2: No. 50.
  • Round 3: No. 81.
  • Round 5: No. 156 (from DAL through PHI)
  • Round 7: No. 231.
  • Round 7: No. 258.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

Chris Grier isn't a perfect general manager, but he does not deserve to be fired.

Pressure Point: Dolphins may regret missing chance at Kyle Pitts

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Through all the debate and speculation about the 2021 NFL Draft, the central question surrounding the Miami Dolphins boils down to: What is in Chris Grier’s mind?

What is the assessment of the Dolphins general manager and coach Brian Flores and their lieutenants concerning their options for selecting an impact playmaker in the first round to energize the offense?

They were positioned to land the best non-quarterback with the No. 3 pick and gave up that option in the interest of adding future draft capital.

Trades to move from No. 3 to 12, then back up to 6 have added more mystery and intrigue than usual.

It is puzzling because it has clearly weakened the Dolphins’ hand in Thursday’s opening round. That may well come back to haunt them if Florida tight end Kyle Pitts turns out to be the dynamic pro that many evaluators expect — for another team.

Kyle Pitts a rare talent

Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has called Pitts the highest-rated tight end in all the drafts he has analyzed. Gators coach Dan Mullen has referred to Pitts as a “unicorn.”

I’ve felt for weeks that I’d be thoroughly disappointed if the Dolphins don’t come away with Pitts, who possesses a rare combination of skills to give opposing defensive coordinators fits for years.

Disappointment has already set in because Pitts is almost certainly out of Miami’s reach now.

After quarterbacks are taken with the top three picks, the Atlanta Falcons are said to be set to snatch Pitts. And why wouldn’t they jump at the chance to add such a game changer for the twilight of quarterback Matt Ryan’s career?

Worse yet for Miami, the Cincinnati Bengals are likely to use the No. 5 pick to reunite LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with quarterback Joe Burrow.

Chase gets top marks on most rankings of the wide receivers in this draft.

Which would leave the Dolphins to go eeny, meeny, miny, moe with Tua Tagovailoa’s former Alabama teammates, wide receivers DeVonata Smith and Jaylen Waddle.

Dolphins’ plan shrouded in mystery

Unless they play the “highest rated player available on the board” card and take offensive tackle Penei Sewell. No matter how dominant Sewell was for Oregon (prior to opting out of 2020 for COVID considerations) that pick would surely spark mass outrage in Dolphinland.

Which brings us back to the initial question: What are Grier and Flores thinking going into this all-important draft?

If, as recent reports have indicated (ESPN’s Todd McShay among others), Pitts is the Dolphins’ preferred choice, why didn’t they stay at No. 3 when they had the pick of the receiver litter?

When the Dolphins made the trades that landed them at No. 6 there was conjecture that they were OK with any of the top tier wideouts or Pitts. I don’t believe any NFL team approaches any draft like that. Ever.

They evaluate. They prioritize. They have a list.

Grier and Flores have a plan. We just don’t know what it is.

It may be a winner. It may not.

Trades for draft picks get mixed results

Trading to stockpile high draft picks is a valid strategy for rebuilding teams. But there’s no way to be sure where those picks are going to land in future years or what return you’ll be able to get with them.

The Dolphins may have gotten a bit too clever for their own good in the trades with the 49ers and Eagles, which netted an extra 2023 first-rounder and a 2022 third-round compensatory pick.

But they gave up the No. 3 pick this year, which was part of the 2019 trade with Houston for Pro Bowl offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Consider that they essentially replaced Tunsil on the offensive line with Austin Jackson, who they took at No. 18 in 2020 with the pick obtained from Pittsburgh for defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Jackson was so-so as a rookie, though he has potential and may yet develop into a stalwart on the line. Fitzpatrick has been outstanding in two seasons for the Steelers, and right now that trade is a net loss for Miami.

As much as I like Flores as a coach, and I do, the personnel side of the Grier/Flores partnership has had ups and downs.

Yes, they have greatly improved the roster over the past two years and banked a 10-win season in 2020.

The really difficult challenge in the NFL is the steep climb from nine or 10 wins to 12 or 13 and a team capable of going deep in the playoffs.

To make that leap requires a roster with genuine stars who move the ball and make a difference in big games. Those type of players are notably absent from the Dolphins roster.

Playmakers for Tua must be priority No. 1

They hope Tagovailoa will grow into that description. They need to give him high-quality resources to make it happen.

This week’s deal that sent veteran guard Ereck Flowers to Washington added more mystery and intrigue than usual. Some interpreted it as a preface to drafting Sewell, with 2020 second-round pick Robert Hunt moving from right tackle to guard.

What the Flowers deal primarily did was create some needed salary cap space and cut ties with a player who wasn’t worth the three-year, $30 million contract they gave him as a free agent last year.

Sewell may well prove to be a cornerstone offensive tackle in the NFL. Can’t help recalling that Jake Long was supposed to be that when the Dolphins took him first overall in 2008 rather than Matt Ryan.

Long is long retired due to injuries and Ryan is still compiling hall of fame credentials for the Falcons, and may soon have Kyle Pitts to help finish the job.

Offensive lineman won’t cut it

The Dolphins took Jackson, Hunt and guard Solomon Kindley in the first four rounds last year. It’s up to Flores the coach to make those picks pay off through development.

It’s up to Grier the GM to add playmakers in this draft who can create magic with the ball in their hands.

I suspect they’ll end up with DeVonta Smith with the first of two first-round picks.

Maybe the Heisman Trophy winner, paired again with Tagovailoa, will prove as dominant a force for the Dolphins as he was for Alabama.

Or maybe they’ll rue letting Kyle Pitts get away.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on Twitter @CraigDavisRuns

Twas the Night Before Draft Day

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‘Twas the night before Draft Day, when all through the Rock
Not an analyst was stirring, not even a mock;
The draft boards were hung by the interns with care,
In hopes that at Six, Kyle Pitts would be there;
The Fins fans were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of Najee ran through their heads;
And Grier in his windbreaker, and Flo in his cap,
Are racking their brains if they need to trade back,
When on the TV there arose such a clatter,
I flipped on FS1 to see what’s the matter.
On Undisputed, there I saw a dumb clip,
Who’s that crazy old lady? Oh, it’s just Skip.
Saying go draft a QB on his tired old show,
As Dolphins Twitter answers, “nah bro, just no,”
Waddle, Chase, or Smith, it soon should be clear,
Which pass-catcher has the eye of Chris Grier,

Forgetting ’bout gasbags who only want clicks,
Dolphins fans remembered we have two first round picks.
Is it the o-line or weapons, who is to blame,
Tua’s needed help since Goodell called his name:
“Now, Sewell! now, Waddle! now Najee and Pitts!
On, Jenkins! on, Parsons! on, Creed and Smith!
At the top of the draft! to the agent, Grier calls!
To Dolphins’ Twitter’s chagrin, we can’t draft them all!”
Who doesn’t love Waddle, you know he can fly,
Sewell hasn’t played right tackle, but he said he could try;
A Heisman Trophy and a title with Tua,
Let’s not forget Devonta, who needs Cua Cua —
Watching the Bengals, in forever last place,
Praying they leave Pitts or at the very least, Chase.
Watching the centers, a drop would be nifty,
If Landon or Creed was there at pick 50.
We all know at some point, we’ll need a D-End,
But it’s just so tempting to think of Harris and Etienne;
A bundle of toys for the young quarterback,
Also some line help so he can avoid taking sacks.
Flo loves versatility, just look at Malcolm Perry!
We need a back who can catch, in addition to carry!
The Bears want us to trade back, but no that’s too low,
In the top 10 there’s groceries, for a dinner by Flo;
If you want to trade with Grier, just know he’s a thief,
“Add another first,” he says through gritted teeth;
I do love Creed Humphrey, like a young Ryan Kelly,
Gesicki’s the peanut butter, could Kyle Pitts be the jelly.
Will we see Greg or Jaelen, either end from the U,
Who’s the best of the edges, any one can be true;
Will there be a sleeper, found in late rounds,
With off-the-field problems, or too many pounds;
Saturday’s the end of a long spring of work,
GM’s are desperate not to be this year’s jerk,
Whatever will they do, almost no one knows,
Just please be better than the AFC foes;
Thinking of misses makes any fan bristle,
But a good draft haul steal, warrants any good whistle.
It’s finally here, and oh what a sight—
“Happy Draft Eve to all, and to all a good night!”

What Draft Precedents for Tight Ends Mean for Kyle Pitts

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The 2021 NFL Draft is just 10 days away and while the top two picks appear to be etched in stone, the rest of the top 10 is still in flux. One of the more polarizing prospects in the mix is Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. The 2020 John Mackey Award winner is an enigma to a league that specializes in compartmentalizing its personnel.

Pitts is expected to be a candidate for the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4 if they decide not to draft the heir-apparent to Matt Ryan, or trade the pick to a quarterback-needy time with stars in their eyes for Trey Lance or Justin Fields. If he falls past Atlanta, many think he could go off the board a pick later to the Cincinnati Bengals. No one appears to have a clue where Cincinnati is leaning, be it to protect 2020 No. 1 pick Joe Burrow with an offensive tackle like Oregon’s Penei Sewell, or support his development with an additional weapon like Pitts or Burrow’s former teammate Ja’Marr Chase. 

Then there are the Miami Dolphins at No. 6, who like the Falcons with Hayden Hurst already have a dynamic pass-catching tight end in Mike Gesicki. That has not halted speculation that Pitts is a top target for general manager Chris Grier & Co. due in part to 2021 being a contract year for Gesicki. Miami could opt to create football’s best two-tight end set, or could opt to take a receiver like Chase or 2020 Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith. 

The general consensus, however, is even if somehow Pitts gets past Miami at six, there is a snowball’s chance in hell he gets past the eighth pick, be it selected by Carolina, or due to a trade up from someone else. That is how special Pitts is as a prospect, embodied best by his college coach Dan Mullen’s description of him as a “unicorn.” If Pitts is drafted eighth, it won’t raise many flags seeing as how tight end TJ Hockenson was selected by the Lions at eighth overall just two years ago. Seeing as how eighth is the absolute floor, it’s more likely that Pitts will find himself in less precedented waters.

If Pitts goes sixth to the Dolphins, it will mark the highest a tight end has been selected since the San Francisco 49ers took Vernon Davis out of Maryland sixth overall in 2006. If Cincinnati snatches him up at five, that will mark the third time in history a tight end was selected fifth overall, joining Houston’s Riley Odoms selected by the Denver Broncos in 1972 and Pittsburgh’s Mike Ditka taken by the Chicago Bears back in 1961. That’s where the precedent ends, however, as no tight end has ever been taken higher than five, meaning Atlanta would set a new mark for the position should they go with the Florida prospect.

So where does that leave us with Pitts? The NFL’s positional valuation is an ever-changing dynamic. For instance, in five of the last 10 years, the first running back was not taken off the board until the 20s. In the 10 years before that, that only happened one time. The opposite is true for quarterbacks as 22 signal-callers were taken in the top 10 from 2011-2020. From 2001-2010, 15 quarterbacks were selected in the top 10. Elite quarterbacks have always been taken near the top of the draft, but the reaches have grown even for the second-best QB prospect. In the last 10 years, the average selection for the second quarterback off the board is 9.9, compared to 15.5 in the 10 years prior. 

So, how should the NFL gauge tight end value relative to the draft? A total of 14 tight ends have been drafted in the top 10, with seven coming since 1980. Those seven are Hockenson (eighth in 2019), Eric Ebron (10th in 2014), Davis (sixth in 2006), Kellen Winslow, Jr. (sixth in 2004), Rickey Dudley (ninth in 1996), Kyle Brady (ninth in 1995), and Junior Miller (seventh in 1980). Out of those seven, three (Davis twice; Dudley, and Brady once each) appeared in Super Bowls in their careers, a good percentage. Unfortunately, only Davis appeared in one for the team that drafted him. He had a monster game of six catches on eight targets for 104 yards in the 49ers’ loss to the Ravens. The other three appearances saw Davis (with Denver), Dudley, and Brady combine for one catch on two targets for a total of three yards.

*****

While that provides some historical perspective over the decades, let’s look back at recent history. Here are the first tight ends off the board over the last decade:

2020: Cole Kmet taken in the second round, 43rd overall

2019: TJ Hockenson taken in the first round, eighth overall

2018: Hayden Hurst taken in the first round, 25th overall

2017: OJ Howard taken in the first round, 19th overall

2016: Hunter Henry taken in the second round, 35th overall

2015: Maxx Williams taken in the second round, 55th overall

2014: Eric Ebron taken in the first round, 10th overall

2013: Tyler Eifert taken in the first round, 21st overall

2012: Coby Fleener taken in the second round, 34th overall

2011: Kyle Rudolph taken in the second round, 43rd overall

Out of those 10, not one them has made a single All-Pro team in their career. Additionally, none of them played in a Super Bowl. Howard’s team made it to the 2020 Super Bowl, but he was sidelined with injury, and found himself all year in a logjam at the position with Rob Gronkowski and Cameron Brate, anyway. The All-Pro list over the last decade features a significant amount of redundancy as a handful of tight ends have dominated the spots.

2020: Travis Kelce, drafted third round (63rd overall) and was the fifth tight end taken

2019: George Kittle, drafted fifth round (146th overall) and was the ninth tight end taken

2018: Kelce

2017: Gronkowski, drafted second round (42nd overall) and was the second tight end taken 

2016: Kelce

2015: Gronkowski

2014: Gronkowski

2013: Jimmy Graham, drafted third round (95th overall) and was the fifth tight end taken

2012: Tony Gonzalez won the AP, drafted first round (13th overall) and was the first tight end taken; Gronkowski won the PFWA; Jason Witten won the SN, drafted third round (69th overall) and was the fourth tight end taken

2011: Gronkowski

****

So out of the last 10 years of All Pros, there were as many fifth round picks as first round picks, with Gonzalez as the lone player who was the first tight end taken in his draft class. While being the best at your position is well-and-good, football is a team sport where winning is what ultimately matters. Now, no one is ever going to say wins are a tight end statistic, but let’s take a look at the starting tight ends in the last 10 Super Bowls and see where they were picked and how they stacked up statistically that season.

2020: Kelce (3rd:63rd) vs Gronkowski (2nd::42nd)

Kelce was first in the NFL for yards as a tight end; Gronkowski was 10th

2019: Kelce vs Kittle (5th::146th)

Kelce was first in yards; Kittle was second

2018: Gronkowski vs Tyler Higbee (4th::110th)

Gronkowski was sixth in yards; Higbee was 29th

2017: Gronkowski vs Zach Ertz

Gronkowski was first in yards; Ertz was third

2016: Gronkowski vs Levine Toilolo (4th:133rd)

Gronkowski was *20th in yards; Toilolo was 40th

*Gronkowski played in just eight games with Martellus Bennett ranking ninth among tight ends in yards in 2016.

2015: Owen Daniels (4th:98th) vs Greg Olsen (1st:31st)

Daniels was 17th in yards; Olsen was 2nd

2014: Gronkowski vs Luke Willson (5th:158th)

Gronkowski was first in yards; Willson was 24th

2013: Julius Thomas (4th:129th) vs Zach Miller (2nd:38th)

Thomas was eighth in yards; Miller was 30th

2012: Dennis Pitta (4th:114th) vs Vernon Davis (1st:6th)

Pitta was 11th in yards; Davis was 17th

2011: Gronkowski vs Jake Ballard (Undrafted)

Gronkowski was first in yards; Ballard was 17th

Out of the 20 appearances by starting tight ends, more often than not the tight end was in the top 10 in the league in receiving yards at the position. It has become increasingly important, however, as in the last four Super Bowls, only Higbee was outside of the top 10 for the season as Gronkowski, Kelce, Kittle, and Ertz have shown to be the class of the position. 

Ultimately, a lot of this has putting the cart before the horse. After all, Pitts is just three years removed from his Senior Prom and despite looking like a fully grown man, will begin his rookie season at just the age of 20. If he lives up to the ceiling set for him by others and does go down as one of the best to ever play the position, he has a precedent set before him. A total of nine tight ends have been enshrined in Canton, Ohio as part of the Hall of Fame for their playing careers: Ditka, Mackey, Jackie Smith, Kellen Winslow, Sr., Ozzie Newsome, Dave Casper, Charlie Sanders, Shannon Sharpe, and Gonzalez. Out of those nine, almost half (Ditka, Winslow, Newsome, and Gonzalez) were all selected in the first round. 

What, if anything, does this really conclude? If you are one to look at patterns, you should be able to surmise that vastly more often than not, the tight end that ends up becoming the best in the league or helping his offense to a Super Bowl is not the first tight end taken, nor is it usually even in the first round. 

Conversely, Pitts is not being trumpeted because he’s a tight end. His respect and hype is due to talk about him being unlike any tight end we have seen come into the draft in a generation. If that is indeed true, then nothing else that’s happened in recent history should affect that thinking. Gronkowski is the most dominant tight end of this millennium, appearing in six of the last 10 Super Bowls and earning All-Pro honors in five of the last 10 seasons, despite taking a brief hiatus from the league in 2019. If a general manager believes that Pitts can be as transcendent of a player as Gronk has, then he would be wise to do what he can to get him.

No matter what, in just a few years time, all of will know whether or not unicorns are real.