![]() He starts to roll out to his left, but keeps his eyes up, and quickly spots an open man downfield. As soon as he reaches the top of his drop, he steps forward and navigates into open space. Immediately, he encounters pressure to his right. The play below is a great introduction to Pickett’s ability to go off-script and thrive out of structure. That shows up most prominently in his off-script ability. Pickett’s floor is certainly higher because of his experience and quick processing, but the Pitt QB also has underrated talent. But let’s not stumble upon the notion that he’s merely a high-floor, low-ceiling quarterback. Pickett’s 2021 tape shows a quarterback who’s mechanically and mentally sound. He saw the defense rotating into single high, and actively manipulated that look for a big gain. Here, Pickett not only displays the awareness of how to use his eyes but also displays some impressive post-snap recognition. We always become enamored by arm talent and athleticism in draft evaluation, but the eyes are just as important as a tool for quarterbacks. He keeps reading the field, and when he sees a window opening, he rolls forward and unravels a high-velocity rope into the back of the end zone. This subtle preparatory move gives him a lane to step up into when he throws. Notice how he shuffles back a couple yards when he senses pressure. When he finds both covered, he resets left. Working near the red zone, Pickett starts his progressions with the 9-route, then works down to the quick out. Pickett’s strong operational work is visible in the play below as well. He also does a great job throwing his receiver open and leading him away from contact. As soon as he sees that, Pickett aligns his base with his target, and fires a dart. Notice in the play above, Pickett sees the linebacker pursuing the underneath route, freeing up the seam receiver. He’s always proven to be a relatively quick processor, but his decision-making has followed suit this year. Mentally, Pickett has improved just as much. He can generate great velocity, especially on intermediate throws like this. He has good mechanical congruence between his upper and lower body, and through his mechanics, he channels his arm talent well. But this year, he’s largely been consistent. Pickett’s mechanics were spotty at times earlier in his career. One of the most easily recognizable qualities of Pickett in 2021 is his improved consistency in structure. Here are some defining plays from Pickett this year. But I don’t expect you to just take my word for it. So what does Pickett’s 2021 tape show?įrom my observations, Pickett’s tape shows a sharp passer with underrated physical upside. The tape is always supreme with quarterbacks. But as we’ve seen in the past, award-winners aren’t always franchise quarterbacks. Out of nowhere, Pickett has broken school records and placed himself in the running for several prestigious awards, including the Heisman Trophy. Along the way, he helped the Panthers become ACC Coastal division champs. He’s also tacked on 213 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. No matter how you spin it, Pittsburgh Panthers QB Kenny Pickett has been one of the top quarterbacks in college football this season.Īhead of the ACCChampionship Game, he’s completed 314 of 464 passes (67.7%) for 4,066 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions - embarking on a rise reminiscent of Joe Burrow. Is Kenny Pickett QB1 in the 2022 NFL Draft?
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