Inside The Panthers

5 Teams That Should Have Their Eyes on Kenny Pickett at NFL Combine

The NFL Combine is now, and here are five teams that should be paying very close attention to what the former Pitt Panther achieves this week.

CJ Errickson

5 Teams That Should Have Their Eyes on Kenny Pickett at NFL Combine
5 Teams That Should Have Their Eyes on Kenny Pickett at NFL Combine /
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The 2022 NFL Combine is officially underway in Indianapolis, Indiana. Former Pitt Panthers star Kenny Pickett will be on center-stage for numerous reasons this week.

The first of those reasons is that many of his counterparts at the position have chosen not to participate in on-field activities for various reasons. 

While the medical exams and interviews are the more important processes of the Combine, Pickett has a chance to impress evaluators with a strong throwing performance - which he is more than capable of achieving.

With that being said, there are plenty of naysayers about the overall quarterback quality in this draft class compared to others. But, regardless of their statements, the former Panther standout will be a first-round pick - here are the teams that will more than likely pay closer attention to him than others.

Denver Broncos - 9th overall selection

The Denver Broncos are first up in the pecking order of the NFL Draft in terms of teams who legitimately need a quarterback. In addition, Broncos brass has already met with Kenny in the very early stages of this week's Combine.

Denver seems poised to move from former first-round pick Drew Lock with a new offensive-minded head coach in former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. In addition, the stopgap solution to Lock's deficiencies, Teddy Bridgewater, is set to become a free agent as well. So for a team that already has a strong defense and offensive playmakers in place, there is a strong possibility that they use their top-10 selection on Pickett.

Washington Commanders - 11th overall selection

New name, same problems for the Washington Commanders. Ever since the departure of Kirk Cousins, the organization has had a carousel at the quarterback position. In fact, last year alone, they had four different signal-callers. While Taylor Heinicke showed grit and poise, Ron Rivera and company are in prime position with the 11th overall pick next month to finally acquire a long-term signal-caller. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. also agrees. 

New Orleans Saints -18th overall selection

The New Orleans Saints are the third team on the list. With cap restraints and questions about the health of both Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston, it may be time for some stability down in the Big Easy. This destination for Kenny Pickett would have been far more ideal with Sean Payton still running the show. However, Dennis Allen still has plenty of weapons to surround Pickett with. Between Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas (for now), and a top-flight defense in a now wide-open NFC South with Tom Brady's retirement - a match with the Saints may be Pickett's most ideal landing spot.

Pittsburgh Steelers - 21st overall selection

While the New Orleans Saints are a prime destination, the Pittsburgh Steelers would provide a new home that Kenny Pickett is already familiar with. Sharing the same facilities with the Steeler organization has the Black and Gold already a step up on the competition regarding what they know about the former Panthers quarterback. With the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, head coach Mike Tomlin will undoubtedly be looking for his next mainstay at quarterback. With that being said, the Steelers may have to hope he does not perform too well at the Combine this week if there is any hope of him sliding to their 21st selection.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers -27th overall selection

With the retirement of Tom Brady, it remains to be seen what Tampa Bay's plan is moving forward. The coaching staff is still intact, with Bruce Arians, Byron Leftwich, and Todd Bowles returning. With plenty of quality players still throughout the roster, a quality all-around week from Kenny both on and off the field could push the Bucs into yet another win-now type mode. As evidenced in years past, they are not hesitant to make drastic moves to improve the roster. A trade-up for them is the only way they will acquire Pickett.

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CJ Errickson
CJ ERRICKSON

CJ is a U.S. Army veteran who also contributes to SI's Falcon Report. In addition, he has been a part of the Fansided Network as both an editor and contributor for 4 different sites that cover both the NFL and English Premier League.

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