2022 NFL Draft: Ranking the top-5 quarterback prospects
By Tommy Jaggi
4. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
There are numerous NFL Draft analysts who have Kenny Pickett as their top quarterback in the 2022 draft class. I can understand that to an extent. Pickett has a plethora of college experience and he’s coming off the best 2021 season of any QB this year.
However, of the top five quarterbacks this year, I think that Pickett might have the most limited upside. Pickett has a very avearge arm by NFL standards. His lack of overall arm talent was easy to see when throwing with some of the other quarterbacks this year at the Senior Bowl and again at the NFL Combine.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Pickett won’t be able to make NFL throws, but he may be more reliant upon his accuracy, timing, and ball placement than some of the other QBs this year. What Pickett does offer is pro-readiness and the ability to go through his progressions and make plays all over the field.
Pickett needs to work on hanging in the pocket, but he certainly checks the box when it comes to his ability to extend the play. The former Pitt QB turns 24 years old shortly after the NFL Draft and I’m afraid that he might be a bit maxed out.