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NFL Executive Compares Kenny Pickett to Johnny Manziel

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett is the next Johnny Manziel? In a good way.

Noah Strackbein

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A Johnny Football comparison doesn't sound like much of a compliment for an NFL hopeful, but one AFC executive believes it's the best fit for Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett. 

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer spoke with one NFL front office member who believes Pickett is an upgraded version of Johnny Manziel, both on and off the field. 

"He’s a good version of Johnny Football—better frame, head on shoulders and arm, and he’s a better leader," the executive told Breer. "Athletic, gutsy. … Kind of hit the scene hard out of nowhere like [Joe] Burrow and balled out. Love the kid. He’s got the it factor. Kid has balls. … We have a ways to go, but definitely if the draft was today, he would be [the first quarterback] taken."

Pickett was a 2021 Heisman finalist and is expected to be drafted in the first round this offseason after throwing for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns.

Manziel was selected No. 22 pick in the 2014 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. His NFL career lasted just two seasons before being cut for off-field issues.

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.

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