All eyes will be on Pitt’s 2022 NFL Draft prospects as Kenny Pickett headlines their scouting reports. Pickett, the re-writer of Pitt’s record books, could become the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft class — but he won’t be the only Panther to hear his name called. Damarri Mathis has rocketed up boards, while TE Lucas Krull has been underrated for far too long. Here are the full scouting reports from Pitt with eyes toward the 2022 NFL Draft.
Pitt 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Pickett has answered all the offseason questions you’d expect a potential No. 1 quarterback to answer. He was sharp at both the Senior Bowl and Combine. His teammate Mathis excelled at the Pitt Pro Day so much that he’s vaulted up draft boards. Krull had a great week at the Shrine Bowl, to boot. Here are the full scouting reports from Pitt ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Damarri Mathis, CB
Positives: Talented cornerback who has flashed next-level ball skills. Quick and fluid pedaling in reverse, smooth flipping his hips, and stays with coverage assignments. Works well with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field, shows terrific awareness, and does a nice job getting his head around to track the pass in the air. Gets vertical, contorts, and possesses good hands for the interception. Displays outstanding knowledge of his coverage assignments.
Negatives: Not a stout corner and does not slow receivers at the line of scrimmage with jams. Occasionally sits in his backpedal, which hurts his ability to burst to the ball out of his plant. Doesn’t play to his 40 time.
Analysis: Mathis has been a solid cornerback for Pittsburgh since his sophomore season. Although he doesn’t play as fast as he times, he has enough ability to make a roster as a dime back/special-teams player.
Want more information on Mathis? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Damarri Mathis, Pitt CB | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Kenny Pickett, QB
Positives: Highly celebrated quarterback coming off a sensational senior campaign. Displays incredible patience in the pocket, scans the field, and goes through progressions. Possesses outstanding vision, consistently finds the open wideout, and displays a sense of timing. Looks away from covered targets, naturally looks off the safety, and is always in control of the situation.
Throws with an over-the-top delivery, effectively sets up screen passes, and puts the ball where only his receiver can come away with the reception. Protects the football, does not make poor decisions on the field, and shows great wherewithal. Consistently takes the safe, underneath outlet if nothing else is available. Drops into the pocket with proper footwork, takes a big hit in order to get the throw away, and pulls himself off the ground and gets back into the huddle.
Senses the rush and is elusive enough to avoid defenders. Buys as much time as possible and consistently keeps his eyes downfield, even when outside the pocket.
Negatives: Needs to put in a lot of extra effort to get speed on throws and get the ball downfield. Cannot drive long throws, which leads to a loss of opportunity. Hand size will be an issue for some teams.
Analysis: Entering the season graded as a Day 3 prospect, Pickett turned in a great campaign and was the leader of the Panthers football team, carrying the offense on his shoulders. He shows great intuition as well as football intellect, almost always making proper decisions and protecting the football. My concern is that Pickett is more of a game manager for the next level. Although he is the most NFL-ready quarterback in this year’s draft, he lacks great upside.
Want more information on Pickett? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Kenny Pickett, Pitt QB | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Lucas Krull, TE
Positives: Lineman-sized tight end who has shown consistent improvement in his game. Finds the soft spot in the defense and lays out and extends to come away with the difficult catch. Effective when he grabs the ball away from his frame. Works to get quickly in and out of pass routes. Gets up in a crowd, takes a heavy hit, and holds onto the throw. Strong, stays square as a blocker, and easily rides defenders from their angles of attack. Gives effort blocking.
Negatives: Does not display great eye/hand coordination. Lacks soft hands and drops catchable throws. Plays to one speed and does not have a burst.
Analysis: Despite seeing significant playing action early in his Pittsburgh career, Krull entered the season ungraded by scouts before enjoying a solid senior campaign. He’s a blocking tight end who is also a solid short-range pass catcher, and he could make a roster as the third player at his position.
Taysir Mack, WR
Positives: Nice-sized receiver who smoothly releases off the line and immediately gets to top speed. Stays low out of breaks and positions himself to make the reception. Adjusts to errant throws, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and competes to come away with tough grabs. Nicely makes the reception in stride. Terrific downfield blocker who turns defenders from the action.
Negatives: Does not consistently catch the ball away from his frame. Chops his steps into routes. Never took off after an outstanding sophomore season.
Analysis: Mack looked like a legitimate next-level receiver as a sophomore in 2019, yet his game took a step back the past two seasons. Mack possesses the size, speed, and football ability — besides doing the little things well — to make a roster as a fifth receiver.