Media reacts to Kenny Pickett hand measurement at NFL Combine
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 star isn’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,” wrote Allbright. “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).”
Following up on the Burrow topic, NFL reporter Dov Klieman stated that his hand measurement didn’t impede his progress.
“Joe Burrow’s hand was measured at 9 inches. Which was the smallest of any first overall pick ever,” tweeted Klieman. “Didn’t slow him down.”
Echoing Kiper’s sentiment, ESPN colleague Todd McShay stated Michael Vick is the last quarterback with sub-9″ hands to achieve NFL success.
“Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett hand span measurement was 8 1/2”,” tweeted McShay. “Well below 9” red flag line. Most teams aren’t putting any real stock into it.
“It should be noted that Michael Vick (2001 draft) was the last QB with a sub-9” hand span to achieve sustained success in the NFL.”
Finally, Matt Miller of ESPN revealed he asked one NFL quarterbacks coach doesn’t put any stock into Pickett‘s hand-size. What matters is he believes the former Pittsburgh star possesses immense potential.
“That’s all bulls–t,” the coach stated, via Miller. “Can he play or can he not play? I think he can play.”
Nevertheless, Kenny Pickett will have a chance at success in the NFL. The former Pittsburgh star can either break the trend at the next level, or continue the NFL’s group-think about quarterback’s with small hands.