Matt Waldman’s RSP Boiler Room examines the play of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, a 2022 NFL Draft prospect whose pocket management, lower-body mechanics, and pre-snap understanding of the defense must catch up to his arm and mobility. 

Kenny Pickett is climbing the ranks of media scouts, which is probably a reflection of both his play and the impressions of NFL scouts who’ve shared their thoughts with big-box media types. Pickett’s arm and mobiltiy to break the pocket and throw on the move with velocity and placement is eye candy for many evaluators.

Pickett’s physical skills and arm talent are enough to get him into NFL team facilities for additional workouts and interviews. They will absolutely get him drafted and likely before the fourth round if he continues having a strong season and the buzz continues to build.

I’m betting it will, even if I could care less about the value of buzz based on these two assets. There are other assets with equal-to-greater import: Efficient release mechanics, strategic pre-snap thinking, and pocket management.

Quarterbacks often develop the mechanics and many of the pre-snap skills within the first few years of starting in the league. Pocket management is a tougher lesson if it’s not already instilled in the player. This is the pro punchlist for Pickett as he ends his collegiate career.

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