This coming weekend will be Kenny Pickett’s last home game wearing a Pitt Panther uniform.
Pittsburgh Sports Now has learned that barring unforeseen circumstances, Pickett will not take advantage of the NCAA’s opportunity to return to college next season and will make himself eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft.
This news doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering what Pickett has put on tape this year for NFL teams. While his talent and potential might not have always been recognized by fans in Pittsburgh, Pickett has been viewed by NFL front office executives as someone with NFL talent and a player capable of getting drafted. Last offseason, Pickett was praised for his performance at the Manning Quarterback Camp, which he attended with other top quarterbacks in the country.
The thinking is that since he’s likely played himself into a mid-round NFL Draft grade and already has earned his degree, returning to Pitt would just be a risk for Pickett and wouldn’t do much to improve his stock.
Assuming he doesn’t change his mind at the last minute, Pickett will now be looking to receive an invite to the NFL Combine along with getting asked to play in the Senior Bowl.
This season, Pickett has completed 129 of 207 passes (62.3%) for 1,599 yards, eight touchdowns and three Interceptions.
Last week, Pittsburgh Sports Now reported that senior tight end Lucas Krull and linebacker/defensive back John Petrishen have decided to return and will play with the Panthers for the 2021 college season.
I wish him the best, he has grown immensely and if he had a legitimate running game who knows how much more effective he could have been.
Wish him all the best. He has been a great student-athlete at Pitt.
Having said that, he certainly can be drafted but until he develops a little more, I don’t see him being more than a #3 QB on someone’s roster. Just don’t see him ever starting.
leaving a lot of money on the table. If he returned, his draft stock would sky rocket in a weaker QB class, he could go from a mid to low rounder to a 1st or 2nd rounder by returning.