It’s all about the numbers during the NFL Scouting Combine.
Team executives and front office personnel drool about the prospects with the fastest 40-yard dash times or the best bench presses.
To them, these digits may equate to a potentially successful career.
In contrast, those who don’t register favorable results are deemed as projects who may play in the NFL given more training.
At the moment, the measurement that’s making waves isn’t about the fastest or the strongest player.
Unfortunately, it’s about one aspiring quarterback’s hand size.
perspective on Pickett's 8.5 inch hands
of 663 QBs w measured hand sizes since 1987, only 9 had smaller than 8.5" hands
there is no QB in the NFL with 8.5" hands
there has been no QB to enter the NFL in at least 5 yrs w 8.5" hands
last successful QB w 8.5" hands was Mike Vick
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 3, 2022
NFL insider for NBC Sports Warren Sharp puts the hand size of former Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett in historical perspective.
He said, “Of 663 QBs w measured hand sizes since 1987, only 9 had smaller than 8.5″ hands. There is no QB in the NFL with 8.5″ hands. There has been no QB to enter the NFL in at least 5 yrs w 8.5″ hands. Last successful QB w 8.5″ hands was Mike Vick.”
Those tidbits of information seemingly predict that Pickett is headed for failure in the big leagues.
Vick was an explosive runner and a decent passer during his heyday and subtly comparing him to Pickett is downright unfair.
Why Hand Size Suddenly Matters?
Common sense has it that individuals with smaller hands may have a harder time gripping the football.
If that’s the case, the ball might slip through their fingers, especially when a defender tries to force a fumble.
They might not get good spirals from the ball with small hands.
However, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has hands that are just half an inch bigger than Pickett’s.
Certainly, the size of his palms were not an issue in bringing his team to Super Bowl LVI.
NEXT: Patrick Mahomes Has Hilarious Response To Combine Video