Who Should I Start? James Hurst or Kyle Pitts

Wednesday, April 24, 4:18 PM

Veteran offensive tackle James Hurst announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, marking the end of a 10-year professional career. The 32-year-old was originally undrafted out of North Carolina in the 2014 class and signed by the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. He spent six seasons with Baltimore before four campaigns with the New Orleans Saints. Hurst played in 150 games with 95 starts, so he clearly exceeded expectations and is a feel-good story for undrafted prospects.

Sunday, May 4, 1:40 PM

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that he "wants to continue to develop" tight end Kyle Pitt's tight end skills and that he's "expecting Kyle to take a big jump" in Year 2 of the offensive system in 2025. The former fourth overall pick in 2021 -- the highest a tight end has been drafted in the NFL -- had 68 catches for 1,026 yards and a touchdown as a Pro Bowler in his rookie season while becoming the second TE in NFL history to post a 1,000-yard season, joining Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. However, the 24-year-old has disappointed the last three years with 1,625 yards combined and never finishing with more than 667 yards. He also suffered a season-ending torn MCL in 2022. We've heard in the past that Pitts has been primed for a big year, only for him to disappoint. For fantasy managers will to take the chance on him, Pitts is entering a contract year and will be working with impressive young quarterback Michael Penix Jr.