Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Kenny Pickett as first quarterback taken in NFL Draft

The combine in Indianapolis is upon and while it’s easy to brush the event off as insignificant — there are countless stories of NFL draft prospects who have increased their stock as scouts, coaches, general managers and talent evaluators begin to assemble their draft boards.

There isn’t a bevy of top-tier quarterbacks expected as no-brainers in the first few picks of the draft like we saw in 2021, and so many times before.

This has created a bit of a mystery heading into April on not only where the projected top 3-5 signal callers will land, but who amongst the 2022 class is considered the top prospect.

There isn’t a more legendary NFL draft expert than ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and he’s come to a firm conclusion on not only who he believes stands out amongst the pack, but where he will embark on his NFL career.

Kiper has decided on former Pitt Panthers veteran collegiate passer Kenny Pickett as the top QB for 2022 and with April nearing, believes the Washington Commanders will select the 24-year-old. As of now, Washington holds the No. 11 overall selection and unless there is a sleeper team honed in on Pickett, it feels like he will be there if Ron Rivera and company are sold on him as the QB that can finally cement himself as the franchise guy in DC.

“This is still a little high for a quarterback based on my Big Board — I have Pickett and Malik Willis at Nos. 19 and 20, respectively — but the 24-year-old Pickett is ready to play in the NFL right now. I don’t think he’ll have to have the developmental time that Willis will need. Ron Rivera’s team could compete in the NFC East with competent quarterback play and Pickett could give them a chance. He’s going to be under the microscope at the combine, as we still don’t have an official hand size for him. He’s expected to have below 9-inch hands, which has been one of the benchmarks for quarterbacks. I’m curious to hear how he does in interviews with teams as well.”

Does Todd McShay actually agree with Kiper on Pickett?

Will Washington select Pickett in the NFL Draft?

This time of year, it’s impossible to fully understand the thought process of the behind-the-scenes decision makers looking to bolster their rosters.

Still, it’s clear Rivera and his staff has made it known that acquiring a starting caliber long-term answer at quarterback is their top priority heading into this season, a far different tone than the offseason ahead of 2021.

“But the Commanders aren’t content to just go into the 2022 season without exploring every opportunity for an upgrade,” Pro Football talk said. “In an interview with PFT Live on Friday, head coach Ron Rivera said Washington is going through the process of evaluating the options for free agency, the NFL draft, or a trade.”

While it appears all options are on the table and names from Russsell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garrappolo and Mitchell Trubisky have all floated around DC media circles, there’s a very real possibility Kiper could be right and the organization is holding its cards close to the vest with eyes on Pickett.