Ranking the 5 quarterbacks Carolina Panthers met with at the NFL Combine

Carolina Panthers met with Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett is the current ACC record holder for the most touchdown passes, ahead of Deshaun Watson and Dan Marino. Not bad company right?

Pickett put it all together this season and blew the tops off of every team he played in 2021. Compiling a Heisman-worthy 47 touchdowns while guiding the Pittsburgh Panthers to an 11-3 record.

The quarterback experienced an insane amount of progression from years prior, as Pickett spent most of his time in college as an underwhelming starter. Launching his passer rating from his average of 124.0 to 165.3 and more than tripling his average touchdowns in a season.

He decimated defenses last year, averaging more than 41 points per game, boasting one of the top offenses in college football.

The biggest strength Pickett has is his elite accuracy, which is arguably the best in this class, consistently nailing receivers in tight windows, laying balls over the heads of defenders leading receivers, and beating coverages with layered passes. Combine that with his very good arm strength, it creates the sweet symphony.

Pickett’s ability to read and diagnose a defense also sticks out when you go through his tape. His field vision and intelligence are top-level, he consistently makes good decisions and has developed excellent ball security to avoid turnovers.

The prospect also looks very comfortable in the pocket, showing a good ability to maneuver inside and not get rattled under pressure that does breakthrough. Pickett consistently delivers passes with defenders in his face and uses his above average physical talent to extend plays and create dangerous rushing opportunities.

He does have downsides. At times Pickett has a gunslinger mentality forcing passes that his physical ability cannot quite execute.

Another complication is his ceiling, which might not be the highest among first-round quarterbacks. Pickett also lacks an elite arm and that physical ability teams are looking for with an early-round investment, as well as his smaller hand size – which is an annoying critique but is something that must be talked about.

Can Pickett turn his one elite year into consistent production a the NFL level? Can he overcome his physical limitations and live up to his high draft grade? Look out for the Carolina Panthers to potentially target the prospect should they not be able to fix the position in the free agency or via trade.

• Pro Comparison: Jared Goff
• Projection: Top-15 pick