It’s draft day in the NFL and everyone is buzzing about who they want their team to select.
For the fans of the Detroit Lions, it’s a night of dread.
This is because they hope management doesn’t blunder their second overall pick.
Detroit can find gems in later rounds, but fans look to the first round.
Detroit has two picks in the first-round of the NFL Draft, the second and 32nd overall.
However, the most important pick is that second overall.
But that doesn’t mean Detroit can’t find value in that 32nd pick.
For one Lions fan, it’s all about getting a new quarterback to step into Matt Stafford’s old shoes in Detroit.
Aiden Hutchinson and/or Thibodeaux gives us the best bang for our buck. However; I believe Kenny Pickett gives the @Lions the most hope to graduate into a competitive team. The perfect scenario, we get our Edge rusher at No. 2, and Pickett at number 32. #DetroitLions #OnePride
— Tehimself (@tehimself) April 28, 2022
That quarterback is Kenny Pickett from the University of Pittsburgh.
Why Does Kenny Pickett Give The Lions Hope?
With some Lions fans, they feel that Jared Goff isn’t the man for the franchise as quarterback.
Fans wanting a new quarterback in Detroit have a lackluster field of quarterbacks with the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, Pickett seems to be that diamond in the rough of college quarterbacks with no NCAA National Championship experience.
The college quarterback won multiple awards during his 2021 NCAA season.
These awards include the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, ACC Offensive Player of the Year, and ACC Player of the Year.
While awards are nice for him, it’s his statistics that NFL teams like the Lions are studying.
In 2021, Pickett had a 11-2 record with 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns.
Draft Player Profile: Kenny Pickett
Pos: QB
Age: 23
College: PittsburghMeasurables:
HT: 6’3
WT: 217 lbs
Arm: 30 7/8⁰Hands: 8 1/2
40: 4.732021 Stats:
– 4319 yards
– 42 TDs
– 67.2 comp%
– 7 INTs
– 5 Rushing TDsPlayer comp: Carson Wentz#Steelers #NFLDraft2022 pic.twitter.com/Vf2fgJnpD1
— Suhaib Sharha (@SuhaibSharha) March 29, 2022
He also can run the ball, giving him the ability to escape defenders.
His career rushing totals were 801 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
But could the Lions snag him with their 32nd pick when other teams are eying him?
It’s All About The Hands
One thing from NFL combine reports that could hurt Pickett is his hand size.
The reports show his hands are smaller than any other NFL quarterback playing currently.
That led to reports of him being prone to fumbling with his smaller hands.
However, would that be enough to send him downward during the NFL Draft?
Most likely not, but it could.
If he slips, the Lions could snag him, giving them their replacement for Stafford’s old mantel.
Is Pickett An Elite Quarterback Worth Getting Excited Over?
While upgrading their defense is the smartest option, the Lions defense hasn’t been in the top 10 for years.
They are known mostly for having star offensive players.
Stafford, Barry Sanders, and Calvin Johnson are just a few of the elite offensive players drafted by the Lions.
There isn’t the same type of savvy with drafting defensive players.
With the team being known for offense and drafting well on offense, Pickett fits that mold.
He’s elusive and is getting better as a quarterback.
This gives hope for Lions fans to have another leader as quarterback in 2022.
If Detroit can find the right coaching, they can help Pickett in his progression into the NFL.
So while Aidan Hutchinson might excite some people, his defensive skills can’t change the entire Lions defense.
However, Pickett can turn around a Lions offense that needs new hope.
NEXT: NFL Insider Lays Out A Perfect Lions Draft Scenario