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Look Ahead to 2021 NFL Draft: QB Kenny Pickett

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The 2020 NFL Draft is officially in the books which means that upcoming college seniors for the 2021 Draft are all on the clock and that includes Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett.

In his first year in Mark Whipple’s offense, Pickett (6’2″, 225) finished the season completing 289 of 469 attempts (61.6%) for 3,098 yards with 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Pickett also has the ability to scramble and make plays with his legs, which will catch the eye of NFL teams.

Keep in mind that Pickett was a group of quarterbacks that received an invitation to the prestigious Archie Manning Quarterback Camp last summer and impressed many people, including NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

In terms of how he’s currently being viewed by NFL front offices and scouts, he’s already included in a early elite group of quarterbacks that could be invited to a prospect showcase following the upcoming college season.

Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl and ESPN Draft analyst, released his top eight quarterbacks for next year’s Senior Bowl. The list was comprised of Duke quarterback Chase Brice, Mac Jones (Alabama), Kyle Trask (Florida), Kenny Pickett (Pitt), Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Jack Coan (Wisconsin), Jamie Newman (Georgia) and Brandon Peters (Illinois).

Is this an indication that Pickett has a good chance to get drafted next April? The jury is still out on that question but it does mean that he’s a prospect that NFL personnel are aware of and depending on his performance this upcoming season, it’s a possibility.

Although he won’t have his top target, Maurice Ffrench, to throw to anymore, Pickett will be surrounded by a group of playmakers like Shocky Jacques-Louis, Taysir Mack, Jared Wayne, Jordan Addison, Jaylon Barden, Aydin Henningham, Kyi Wright and Lucas Krull.

Former Pitt quarterback Ben DiNucci was drafted in the 7th round by the Dallas Cowboys. The last Panthers quarterback to be drafted was Nathan Peterman in the 5th round by the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Will Pickett hear his name called in 2021?

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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Ken Ken from Connecticut
Ken Ken from Connecticut
3 years ago

Not if his interception to touchdown ratio doesn’t improve, but I hope so I’m rooting for the kid.

Roberto Bahena
Roberto Bahena
3 years ago

He is a lock to get drafted. Good arm, mobile, smart and tough.

Sec. 122
Sec. 122
3 years ago

I’m inclined to say no because he doesn’t throw TDs but after seeing DiNucci drafted I’d say he might go in round 1 b/c NFL GMs have lost their minds.

Thisthatsofourthandtheother
Thisthatsofourthandtheother
3 years ago

I think there is a better chance that he doesn’t finish the season as the starting QB than he does getting drafted.

Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson
3 years ago

I’m not sold on Pickett but that is not to say he won’t get drafted. He definitely will be a late round pick if at all.

Tom Storm
Tom Storm
3 years ago

He is on the board as a top 8 quarterback. He improved tremendously last year. He is mobile, athletic, has a good throwing arm and led Pitt to many comeback wind last year so he is a proven leader. There is no reason he should not be drafted. You read the comments here and elsewhere from Pitt fans and you see the disdain and disrespect for this kid. It validates what I have known for years is that the average Pitt fan is trapped mentally looking for the late 70s to return and truly have no clue to reality when… Read more »

 
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