Pitt QB Kenny Pickett arrived in Indianapolis Wednesday morning and was immediately asked about the popular media narrative surrounding the size of his hands.
While speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Pickett didn't seem all that concerned about whether he has big hands or small hands when asked how it may affect his draft stock.
"Whatever it measures, it measures," Pickett said at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I'm sure that won't be the end of it, but that'll be the last measurement I'm sure I'll take of it."
The Pitt standout also made it known that this is not a weak quarterback class. According to Pickett, it hasn't had any impact on his confidence as a player.
"Everyone's gonna have their own opinions," Pickett said. "I think there are great players in this class. It is what it is. It's their opinion."
Despite concerns about his hand size, Pickett played well in college, especially last season which saw him complete over 67% of his passes for 42 touchdowns. The Heisman finalist led the Panthers to an ACC Championship for the first time ever in program history.
One of the franchises that are in need of a quarterback is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are very familiar with Pickett. With Pitt playing in the same stadium as the black and yellow, Pickett recalls hanging around practices and even getting a chance to chat with Mike Tomlin.
"He'd always come over and hang out with us for a little bit during the summer," Pickett recalled. "I remember as a freshman, the first time that happened, watching Antonio Brown and Ben (Roethlisberger) out there and (Tomlin) would come sit down and hang out and I wouldn't leave the bench until he left. Been there for five years, so a long time I've known coach and it's been a pretty special relationship."
With the 20th overall pick in this year's draft, the Steelers very could select Pickett if he slides down far enough or if they decide to trade up in the draft.
Pickett is set to take the field in Indy Thursday morning along with Malik Willis and the other quarterbacks invited to the Combine. The 23-year-old quarterback says he knew he would be in this moment one day and is ready to enjoy the process.
"I always said I’d go and do it. I had the confidence I would be here on this stage one way or another,” Pickett said. “My road wasn’t three years. I had to do five years. Not six years; I know a lot of people think I’ve been in college for six. Everyone’s journey is different. I just knew I’d be in this seat right here. I had the belief from day one.”
Follow Jasper Jones on Twitter: @jonesj2342
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