Chicago Bears: 6 QBs to watch for in the 2021 NFL Draft
Kenny Pickett
Another potential option that will enter next year’s draft with a ton of experience is the University of Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett. Heading into the 2020 season he will have appeared in 30 games for the Panthers while attempting 845 passes.
Pickett’s statistics certainly won’t jump off the page at you. In fact, he only threw for 3,098 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions last season. However, he attended the prestigious Manning Passing Academy where he impressed a number in attendance, putting him squarely on the radar of NFL teams.
He will certainly need to take a big step forward next season but is already a candidate for an invite to next year’s Reese’s Senior Bowl. According to Pro Football Focus, he has the 3rd highest grade of returning ACC quarterbacks, behind Trevor Lawrence and freshman phenom Saw Howell.
Highest graded returning ACC QBs:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 1, 2020
1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson - 91.0
2. Sam Howell, UNC - 83.9
3. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh - 75.5 pic.twitter.com/c4eYGewdyZ
He also seems to have the “clutch gene” as he has had a number of game-winning drives executed in the final two minutes and that is something you simply can’t teach. The Bears could certainly use a quarterback with a little moxy, so keep tabs on Pickett and his development this season.