Denver Broncos: Updated quarterbacks to consider in draft

Kenny Pickett is arguably the best quarterback going into this draft.

Heading into the 2021 season, the spotlight appeared to be on other quarterbacks in the class, including Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell. However, Kenny Pickett proved that he is one of the premier quarterbacks in his senior season.

In 2021, Pickett has so far posted over 4,000 yards passing and 42 touchdowns. To add, Pickett also has a 67 percent completion percentage with an average of about nine yards per completion.

While there’s no doubt that the stats are impressive, the critical factor is how Pickett will transition from a college football offense to an NFL-style offense.

Here’s the good news: it doesn’t seem as though Pickett will have a big jump in scheme.

Kenny Pickett is coming from one of the most complex offenses in all of college football. Depending on the opponent, Pitt tends to change the entire approach to the offense. Whether it’s an “air raid” approach or establishing the run game, now-former offensive coordinator Mark Whipple had a plan for nearly anything.

This is what makes this fit so special.

If George Paton were to select Pickett in the draft, no matter where he falls, it gives the Broncos coaching staff the ability to play flexibly. Pickett understands what it takes to establish the run, and he’s certainly proven he has a big enough arm to stretch the field.

One of the other big components of Pickett’s game is his awareness inside of the pocket.

When Pickett notices the pocket is collapsing, he is able to find the open lane and use his legs to extend the play. Not many rookie quarterbacks have been able to do this well in the NFL, but the few that have turn out to be successful.

Overall, Pickett’s football knowledge and physical abilities make him one of the top prospects in this year’s quarterback class. If George Paton has the chance, and Pickett does declare, this could be one of the hardest choices to pass on.