Apparently, the NFL is all about numbers.
Coaches assess players’ numbers to determine if they had a great game.
Meanwhile, scouts look at the measurements to project how much success a prospect will have.
The Scouting Combine is data-driven as team officials pay more attention to players who were exceptional throughout the drills.
On the other hand, questions arise when the figures seem unfavorable, like Kenny Pickett’s hand size.
The quarterback prospect from the Pittsburgh Panthers was First-Team All-American, First-Team All-ACC, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner in 2021.
But despite those accomplishments, coaches and scouts chose to pay attention to his hand size which measured at 8 1/2 inches.
However, that number improved to 8 5/8 inches during his Pro Day.
That’s an insignificant increase, leading team executives to see Pickett’s measurements first-hand.
Carolina GM Scott Fitterer called over Pickett so he can see his hands. Then made him hold the ball for QB coach Ben McAdoo. Seemed pleased with what he saw.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 21, 2022
The Athletic’s senior writer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mark Kaboly, said, “Carolina GM Scott Fitterer called over Pickett so he can see his hands. Then made him hold the ball for QB coach Ben McAdoo. Seemed pleased with what he saw.”
While hand size is a factor in separating the good from great quarterbacks, it’s not the main qualification.
Joe Burrow‘s hand size isn’t up there but he led the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl run.
Therefore, it seems odd that the Panthers are more interested in whether Pickett can grip the ball instead of looking at how he plays.
Motivation For Pickett
While there have been rave reviews regarding Pickett’s Pro Day, Pickett should still use the issue regarding his hand size to do better whenever he has an opportunity to showcase his talent.
ESPN Stats and Info revealed that the average hand size for the first-round quarterbacks from 2008 to 2020 is 9.7 inches.
That said, Pickett should take that fact as a chip on his shoulder to prove his doubters wrong.
NEXT: NFL Insider Shares A Major Kenny Pickett Endorsement