If you’ve followed mock drafts since the end of the 2021 college football season, Kenny Pickett has been mocked to probably 50 percent of the NFL.
With offseason quarterback moves, the draft process playing itself out through the spring and obvious fits in the draft order (which are subject to change in the event of draft day trades), Pickett’s end destination is likely winding down to just a handful of teams that will seriously be considering spending a first round pick on his services.
While Pickett isn’t going to be a No. 1 overall selection and isn’t a lock to go in the first round, he still has a strong chance to be the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. So, let’s take one last look at some of the latest mock drafts.
ESPN’s NFL Nation: Round 1, Pick 19, New Orleans Saints
“The Saints aren’t a sure thing to draft a quarterback. They might actually use both first-round picks to help support Jameis Winston with a left tackle and wide receiver. But Pickett has fallen far enough in this draft, and New Orleans would be a great fit for him with an offense that has always relied on rhythm and timing under longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.”
ESPN’s Todd McShay’s Final: Round 1, Pick 32, Detroit Lions
“Yeah, Pickett is still here at No. 32. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a team try to trade into Round 1 if he starts to slide this far, but Detroit would obviously take a long look itself, too. The Lions could move on from current signal-caller Jared Goff after this season, and they’d have the fifth-year option on Pickett. A quarterback at the end of the first round and the top prospect in the class at No. 2? A pretty good night for Detroit.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper’s Final: Round 1, Pick 19, Saints
“Here we go — the first quarterback. There just aren’t many teams excited about the signal-callers in this draft. The Saints have a bigger need at tackle, which is why I went that way at No. 16, but this is good value for Pickett, who could compete with Jameis Winston for the starting job.”
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s Final: Round 1, Pick 20, Pittsburgh SteelersÂ
“The Steelers should know everything there is to know about Pickett, the former Pitt star. He could come right in and compete with Mitchell Trubisky for the starting position this fall.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s Final: Round 1, Pick 20, Steelers
“No quarterbacks in the first 19 picks means the Steelers are able to draft their top guy here. Is it Pickett? Or Malik Willis? Or Desmond Ridder? I’ll lean Pickett right now.”
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco’s Final: Round 1, Pick 32: LionsÂ
“After passing on a quarterback earlier in the draft, they take one in this spot by landing Pickett. This would be a great pick for the Lions if it played out this way. He is NFL ready.”
NBC Sports’ Thor Nystrom’s Final: Round 1, Pick 20, Steelers
“The Pickett selection is admittedly a hedge. Malik Willis is Pittsburgh’s primary quarterback target. And if they can’t get him, it’s far from certain that Pickett would be Pittsburgh’s backup option. However, I do strongly believe that Pittsburgh leaves Thursday night with a quarterback, perhaps via a trade-up. Carolina may be looking to trade down to take Pickett later than 1.6. The Panthers and Steelers, on the surface, appear to be a trade match made in heaven. Will they reach the finish line?”
ESPN’s Matt Miller’s Final: Round 1, Pick 19, SaintsÂ
PFF’s Doug Kyed’s Final: Round 1, Pick 25, Seattle Seahawks (Trade)
“Another trade, the Seahawks move up to take Pickett in the first round. Pickett is expected to go in the first round, with the Steelers, Panthers and Saints other possible teams who could grab him if the draft shakes out a different way. Pickett could come in and compete for the Seahawks’ starting job much the same way Mac Jones did in 2021 with the Patriots.”
PFF’s Mike Renner’s Final: Round 1, Pick 16, Saints
“Pickett is likely the most seamless fit into Pete Carmichael’s offense of any quarterback in the draft. The Saints have to stay cheap at quarterback to keep the current roster intact.”
FantasyPros’ Andrew Erickson’s Final: Round 1, Pick 32, Lions
“Jared Goff will still be in the plans for the Lions in 2022 with a $15.5 million roster guarantee this season. It seems most likely he will be the opening day starter while the team grooms a rookie franchise quarterback behind him. Goff has a potential out in his contract before the 2023 season. Detroit also desperately NEEDS a quarterback competition to stir up drama for HBO’s Hard Knocks. With the fifth-year rookie quarterback option in mind — even though its importance has been massively overblown — the Lions select small-hands Kenny Pickett with the 32nd overall pick. Pickett finished third in PFF passing grade from a clean pocket (94.3) and first in his class in adjusted completion percentage (79%) during his 2021 breakout season.”
SI’s Kevin Hanson’s Final: Round 1, Pick 19, Saints
“Re-signing Jameis Winston to a two-year deal and bringing in Andy Dalton to back him up doesn’t rule out a quarterback here. With good (not great) arm strength and mobility, Pickett moves quickly through his progressions and throws well on the move. Pickett broke Deshaun Watson’s ACC record with 42 touchdowns in 2021 while also cutting down his interceptions (seven) last season.”
Underdog Network’s Josh Norris’s Final: Not in the first round
Sharp Football Analysis’s Brendan Donahue’s Final: Round 1, Pick 19, Saints
“Not overly confident that the Saints take Pickett here, but it would help justify their trade so early in the draft process I suppose. Pickett to be the first quarterback selected is +150.”
Action Network’s Scott Smith’s Final: Round 1, Pick 26, Tennessee Titans
“With Ryan Tannehill getting older and failing in the playoffs, GM Jon Robinson addresses that here with the selection of Pickett. The Titans can move on from Tannehill and save $18 million after this year as they transition to Pickett in 2023.”
KOA’s Ben Allbright’s Final: Round 1, Pick 6, Carolina Panthers
