While Twitter couldn’t wait to release its small hand memes this week during the NFL Combine, today’s 2022 NFL Draft news and notes assure that the NFL isn’t overthinking Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett‘s hand size.
NFL isn’t sweating Kenny Pickett’s hand size
Pickett’s hands measured out as 8.5 inches, which is small for an NFL QB. The small measurement was expected for months by pundits, scouts, and executives alike. Pickett typically wears gloves on both hands to mitigate any concerns about his ability to grip the ball.
When Pro Football Network asked an AFC head coach about his thoughts on Pickett’s hand size, he said he wasn’t worried about the small measurement. A longtime AFC scout told PFN that while QBs with smaller hands historically struggle in the league, he isn’t worried about Pickett because of his experience playing in the cold weather of Pittsburgh.
Pickett is expected to be selected in the top half of the first round of April’s NFL Draft. Teams like the Carolina Panthers (No. 6), Denver Broncos (No. 9), Washington Commanders (No. 11), and Cleveland Browns (No. 13) could be interested in Pickett. The Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 20 could also be in the mix to trade up and acquire Pickett.
NFL Draft News and Notes: Quick Hits
- Brown QB EJ Perry drew the attention of NFL teams with his impressive workout at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday. While Perry has an unusual passing delivery, which looks like he’s firing a rocket launcher from over his shoulder, the prospect was accurate during field drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Perry, a former Boston College recruit, stood out as an athlete during timing drills, running a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and a 6.85-second three-cone drill. According to an AFC scout, Perry is expected to be a late-Day 3 pick or a priority free agent. He could be appealing to a team looking for a developmental third-string QB.
- Another prospect who received praise after an inspiring athletic performance in Indianapolis was Florida A&M safety Markquese Bell. Most scouts expected Bell to run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash “at best,” but the defensive back blazed a 4.45-second 40 in front of coaches, execs, and scouts on Sunday. Bell measured in at 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds. With his mix of size and speed, teams could overlook his limited competition at Florida A&M. An AFC scout predicted Bell would be selected in the fourth or fifth round on Day 3 of April’s NFL Draft.