Dennis Pitta By The Numbers - 2010 NFL Draft

Following my post on Torrey Smith's potential counterparts for the upcoming season, I'd like to take a look at another player who could potentially step up into a larger receiving role. Dennis Pitta has quietly built himself quite the name over the past season, which concluded with a touchdown in the Super Bowl.



Looking to build on last years efforts, Pitta could his workload increase by seeing time as a slot receiver.  When the Ravens went with a three receiver set in 2012, Anquan Boldin was occupying the slot majority of the time, with Pitta filling in behind. Boldin's departure leaves an opportunity for a player who has seen some success there.

Pitta's set career highs of 61 catches for 669 yards and 7 touchdowns last season while becoming a valuable asset for handsomely paid Joe Flacco.

Let's see how Pitta stacks up against other tight ends who have made a statement from the 2010 draft class.

Jermaine Gresham 172 receptions 1,804 Yards 15 Touchdowns
Gresham was regarded as the top tight end coming out of Oklahoma, and was actually linked heavily to the Ravens prior to the draft. The Bengals picked him up with the 21st pick. Despite having above average numbers, Gresham has had inconsistencies catching the football and staying healthy, prompting  Cincinnati to draft Zach Ertz in the first round.

Rob Gronkowski 187 Receptions 2,663 Yards 38 Touchdowns
Let's make no mistake about it, Gronk has been an absolute machine the past 3 seasons. In only his second year in the league Gronk set the NFL record for most reciving touchdowns in a single season by a tight end with 17.  If he can scratch the injury bug and stay on the field, he has a chance to be an all-time great.


Aaron Hernandez 175 Receptions 1,956 Yards 18 Touchdowns

Despite playing in Gronk's shadow, Hernandez has established himself as a top 7 tight end in the NFL. Injuries have also slowed Hernandez down, but he is just as big a threat as Gronk when healthy. He gets bonus for breaking the bank and making it rain.


Jimmy Graham 215 Receptions 2,648 Yards 25 Touchdowns
In my opinion, Jimmy Graham is the most athletic player in the NFL. The former basketball star at the University of Miami has become quite the weapon for Drew Brees. Graham finished the just shy of a thousand yard season with 982 to go along with 9 TD's.

Dennis Pitta 102 receptions 1,075 yards 10 touchdowns
Despite coming off career highs and developing solid chemistry with Flacco, Pitta has yet to break into the elite class of current tight ends. If Pitta's 2012 season was a sign of things to come, nabbing 75 passes and 8 touchdowns is not out of question. He's my pick for most improved played for the upcoming season, and will also add great value in fantasy football. 

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