Tre McKitty’s athleticism has pushed him up draft boards

Tre McKitty, TE
School: Georgia | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22 (?)
Height / Weight: 6’5” / 245 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Round 3-6

College Statistics

Player Overview

McKitty played his first three seasons at Florida State, collecting 50 receptions for 560 yards and a couple of TDs, with his best season being his sophomore year. He was named to the All-ACC Academic team in 2018 and graduated from Florida State before playing out his last year of eligibility.

Likely, in order to get more national exposure, McKitty transferred to Georgia for his final season. Unfortunately, he hurt his knee and only ended up playing in four games last year. He did get a Senior Bowl invite, however, and impressed there, collecting accolade from the drafteratti:

“I thought he was probably the most athletic tight end in the Senior Bowl,” ESPN’s Todd McShay said on the First Draft podcast. “He made himself a lot of money. Now, he’s a mid-round pick, where everyone was looking at him and saying the production doesn’t match up with the athleticism. He’s probably going to go sixth or seventh round. I could see third, fourth round for a guy like (Tre) McKitty.”

Strengths

• Has twitch to be a very good route runner.
• Very willing blocker
• Has very good speed.
• Able to use his length to high point catches.
• Capable of positional versatility.

Weaknesses

• Only caught 56 passes in 4 collegiate seasons.
• Has a minor injury history.
• Needs to refine his technique.

Let’s See His Work

How He Would Fit

McKitty’s athleticism and size are nearly ideal for a “flex” tight end, a fast moving, big-bodied receiver who can create coverage mis-matches and physically bully most of the DBs quick enough to keep up with him. His physical traits have drawn comparisons to Jared Cook, the journeyman tight end who has enjoyed a fairly long career in the league.

McKitty needs to refine his route running and be trained to deploy his size more effectively, but given a year or two as a developmental tight end, he has the capability to eventually be a three-down threat in the pros. Given Washington’s fairly thin pipeline at tight end, McKitty could end up being a mid-round target, if he lasts that long in the draft.