Rookie Scouting Profile: QB Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett (QB) Pittsburgh

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
6-3	217	4.67	06/06/1998	1-2	early 3rd	Joe Burrow

College Production

Pickett has been a four-year starter with Pittsburgh. He had big expectations heading into 2021 and did not disappoint piling up awards and accolades winning ACC Player of the year and offensive player of the year, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named second-team All-American by the Associated Press. Along with those awards and a long list of others, he was also a Heisman finalist finishing third in the voting. While leading his Panthers to an ACC Championship, he threw for a school-record 4,319 yards, an ACC all-time record 42 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. This was without playing in the team’s bowl game which he skipped to prepare for his inevitable first-round entry into the NFL Draft.

Strengths

Ideal size and physical attributes.
Took a huge step forward in 2021.
Goes through progressions.
NFL ready.
Good velocity to all levels of the field.
Arm talent.
Good mobility to escape pass rushers.

Weaknesses

Will need to improve footwork in the pocket.
Can get antsy in pocket quicker than necessary.
Takes sacks instead of throwing the ball away.
Ball placement when leading receivers could be better.
Needs to step forward into throws more precisely.

Fantasy Outlook

Pickett could very well turn out to be the best quarterback in this draft. He lacks the upside of a running quarterback because while he’s mobile he won’t be a serious threat on the ground, however, as a pocket passer, he has the potential to be as good as any quarterback that has come out this year or last. I don’t see scheme or coaching being a major issue for him as he’s already shown he can make all the reads and all the throws. There is no reason he can’t be a Week 1 starter depending on if the team that drafts him needs him to be so.

Indianapolis would be the dream landing spot for him. They are a well-coached team with a high-end offensive line, elite rushing attack, and an ascending WR1. Plus, they could use an immediate starter under center assuming they don’t add anyone between now and the draft. However, with Watson off the table and most other top-tier quarterbacks locked in with new deals, I don’t see them adding anyone that would be able to hold off Pickett for long.