Denver Broncos ranking top five 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks
Denver Broncos NFL Draft option #5: Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Led by former offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, Kenny Pickett was used in advantageous situations with Pittsburgh. Pickett does not have many flaws in his game; however, it will not “wow” people very often.
During a meteoric rise in 2021, he still showed he belongs with some of the best quarterbacks in the College Football scene. He became a Heisman finalist and of the better quarterbacks of this past season. Pickett does have the production in 2021, but it does not take away from his overall skill set.
Pickett has decent playmaking outside the pocket to create opportunities for himself. As a mobile runner, Pickett does enough to keep defenses honest. This is an important trait for a younger quarterback no matter if it is Carson Strong, Malik Willis, Matt Corral, or Desmond Ridder.
All five do well in picking the right moments to become a scrambler. To go along with his adequate mobility, Pickett has shown fantastic growth through progressions and decisions. The arm release of Pickett is where all that comes together.
There is a lot to like with Pickett. One comparison for Pickett is former Denver Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Back when Bridgewater came into the NFL he showed good playmaking and decision-making in a run-heavy offense. If Pickett has that same trajectory (aside from injury history), then there is a possibility he has a solid career in the NFL.
The NFL has a place for quarterbacks who show they are good in all phases, not great. A problem for me is it seems he drops back to the right way too often. I’m not sure if it was Mark Whipple’s offense that put Pickett in advantageous situations or pocket presence from Pickett. Only in the NFL will we truly understand that answer.
As mentioned, Pickett has a route to becoming an NFL starter. There is optimism about Pickett, but he’s not Joe Burrow. Burrow had the same rise to fandom and Heisman finalist (Burrow won the award), but there is a completely different skill set and toughness between the two. Time will certainly tell, but I do not foresee Pickett being a Burrow-type.
All in all, all five quarterbacks might be options for the Denver Broncos in this upcoming NFL Draft Class. The class has intrigued and the word is always thrown around way too much: potential. It takes one team.
This is a common theme throughout this article and every draft season for quarterbacks. It is not far-fetched to think Denver could fall in love with one of these listed quarterbacks. The main goal is acquiring a veteran or star quarterback.
Taking a quarterback with a ninth pick also may be out the window in that scenario. The last thing to remember, these rankings are also flexible and subject to change.