Kenny Pickett | Pittsburgh 6’3” 220 lbs. | 06/06/1998 (Age 23)
Kenny Pickett was drafted 20th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers, becoming the first quarterback and 20th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Yards | Completion Percentage | TDs | INTs |
| 2017 (FR) | 4 | 509 | 59.1% | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 (SO) | 14 | 1,969 | 58.1% | 12 | 6 |
| 2019 (JR) | 12 | 3,098 | 61.6% | 13 | 9 |
| 2020 (SR) | 9 | 2,408 | 61.1% | 13 | 9 |
| 2021 (SR) | 13 | 4,319 | 67.2% | 42 | 7 |
The former top-10, pro-style high school recruit went in and improved in each of his first three seasons at Pittsburgh. He followed a decent 2019 campaign with a shaky 2020 season. He threw for 2,408 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in nine games played. He did post eight rushing touchdowns, but his decision to come back for one final season in 2021 paid off in a big way. In 13 games played, he produced 4,319 yards, 42 passing touchdowns, five rushing touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He won ACC Player of the Year, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm, and served as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Pickett also set Pittsburgh’s school record with 12,303 career passing yards, and 81 career touchdown passes.
STRENGTHS
Showcases great elusiveness and escapability when the pocket collapses. He improved his TD-INT ratio drastically after the 2020 season. Broke records at Pitt and produced at a consistent rate in 2021. Showcases great arm talent and extends plays, and delivers great passes on the run. Can deliver passes in tight windows, and he can display terrific arm strength on deep-out routes.
WEAKNESSES
It took him over four seasons to finally “pop” at Pitt. Needs to improve at leading throws and delivers poor placement on his throws too often. Showcases a sense of nervousness after getting sacked. His feet tend to get off schedule even if protection is good. He needs to improve timing when connecting with his receivers.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Pickett measured in at 6’3” and 220 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 27.5. He ran a decent 4.73 40-yard dash, equating to a 119.1 burst score. His 40-time landed him in the 75th percentile, and his impressive burst score places him in the 84th percentile. He did not participate in any strength drills.
Pickett showcases elite arm talent, but his measurables are very worrisome. He had the smallest recorded hand size at the combine amongst quarterbacks at 8 ½”.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Pickett was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mitchell Trubisky signed with the Steelers as the team’s bridge quarterback, but he will now compete with Pickett for the starting gig.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Pickett has been deemed the most pro-ready player at his position. He stays in Pittsburgh and gets a chance to compete for a starting position right away. He may not have as much upside as Malik Willis does, but he gets an opportunity to produce early in his career. He’s a top-two quarterback in this draft, and you shouldn’t expect a ton of fantasy production right away. Down the road, he seems like a QB2 talent, and you should look to draft him in dynasty startups in the mid-to-late rounds. As far as your rookie drafts, he’s a late-first/early-second type of draft pick.
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