Accuracy: Consistently puts the ball in his receiver’s catch radius. Hits receivers in stride downfield. Shows good anticipation throwing to a spot he expects the receiver to be.
Arm Strength: Can make all the required throws. Not a power thrower, but still has the ability to drive the ball downfield when necessary. Velocity comes from his leg drive and proper mechanics. Throws will lose some steam when throwing off platform. Best in the short to intermediate areas.
Size: Measured in at 6’3 217 at the Senior Bowl. Well filled out physique. Doesn’t look to have any bad weight.
Mobility: Can hurt a defense when forced to scramble. Can navigate inside the pocket as well, can slide to either side to avoid oncoming rushers. Good mobility but should not be featured as a runner at the next level.
Decision Making: Doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way. Will extend the play as long as possible, if there are no viable options he throws out of bounds. Is smart with his mobility. Doesn’t take unnecessary hits, gets whatever yardage he can then slides. Not one for throwing up a prayer in hope of his WR winning a jump ball.
Out of Structure Ability: Will run to buy time for receivers to get open. Likes to escape to his right whenever possible. Keeps his eyes downfield while scrambling. Throws are on target in the short to intermediate when throwing off platform.
Pocket Awareness: Can feel the rush, but will drop his eyes and lose his mechanics for a second before recovering and surveying the field.
Touch/Placement: Throws with touch on short passes in the flat. Knows when to drop the ball in a bucket and when to drive the ball into tight windows. Timing is good enough with receivers to where his passes are put where the receiver can run after the catch.
Upper/Lower Mechanics: Compact throwing motion. Quick release. Rotates hips well. Feet planted and pointed at his target. Generates good torque in his lower half to drive the football. The ball will sail when feet are not set.
Progressions: Calmly goes through his progressions. Doesn’t panic when his first read is taken away. Will hold the ball as long as possible waiting for an open receiver before scrambling or throwing the ball away. Was given the keys to the offense so he has more experience going through reads than manufactured throws.
Summary: Kenny Pickett made huge strides as a player in his final collegiate season. Improved mechanics and core strength led to more velocity on his passes than he has had before. Pickett can be looked at as a high floor/ low ceiling type of player. He doesn’t possess the standout athletic traits to make highlight plays routine, but he can effectively run an offense. Kenny Pickett is best suited in a timing based spread offense with receivers that run precise routes and win with separation. Kenny Pickett should be ready to play fairly early in his career, his development will be more mental than physical. I see Kenny Pickett as a starting QB at the next level. Whether he is a high end or mediocre starter depends on him and his mastery of his offense and opposing defensive schemes.
Filed By: E.J Holt ACC Area Scout for Blue Chip Scouting
Twitter: @EJHolt_Draft