WATCH: Kenny Pickett showcases speed with impressive 40 yard dash
Kenny Pickett, who is one of the top quarterbacks available in this year’s draft class may have just improved his draft stock with his impressive 40 yard dash time. He ran an unofficial 4.67 on his first attempt.
In his five years at Pitt, Pickett wasn’t the biggest runner but utilized his legs when need be. Last season was his best season on the ground yard-wise, carrying the ball 97 times for 241 yards and 5 touchdowns. His first senior season saw him score three more touchdowns with 16 less carries. Since his sophomore year, Pickett carried the ball 390 times.
In NFL.com’s latest first round mock draft, Pickett rose all the way to the No. 6 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers — and that was after his questionable hand measurement. His 8.5 inch hands would be the smallest out of any quarterback in the league.
More on Pickett’s hand measurements
The NFL has received the official hand measurements of former Pittsburgh star quarterback Kenny Pickett, and they’re causing quite the stir. Some teams will take quarterbacks with small hands off their board completely — regardless of college tape.
While Pickett was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last season, the former Panthers starisn’t immune to criticism due to his measurements. After his hand’s measured at 8.5 inches, the NFL media world reacted to the news.
First, ESPN NFL Draft Guru Mel Kiper doesn’t believe it’ll affect Pickett‘s stock.
“This is smaller than any current NFL quarterback,” tweeted Kiper. “But I don’t think it will change his stock much.”
Additionally, NFL insider Benjamin Allbright pointed out that Pickett fumbled a bunch at Pittsburgh.
“Kenny Pickett’s 8.5 inch hands would be the smallest for a QB in the league,” wroteAllbright. “Fumbled 26 times in college.”
Moreover, Dane Brugler of The Athletic tweeted that Joe Burrow’s 9-inch hands is the threshold for a lot of teams. However, he recognizes that Pickett‘s passing ability masks his hand size — but his ball security is a problem.
“Joe Burrow was 9″ – for a lot of teams, that is the threshold,” tweeted Brugler. “IMO, Pickett’s smaller hands don’t really show with him as a passer (most teams feel the same). Ball security is another story (38 career fumbles at Pitt).”