An AFC executive recently compared Kenny Pickett to Johnny Manziel. That usually wouldn’t be a compliment, given how Manziel epically flamed out in the NFL.
But in this case, it’s a positive. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer quoted an unnamed exec who says Pickett is a “good version” of Manziel, meaning the Pittsburgh quarterback is better than Johnny Football in pretty much every phase of the game.
“He’s a good version of Johnny Football—better frame, head on shoulders and arm, and he’s a better leader,” said the executive. “Athletic, gutsy. … Kind of hit the scene hard out of nowhere like [Joe] Burrow and balled out. Love the kid. He’s got the it factor. Kid has balls. … We have a ways to go, but definitely if the draft was today, he would be [the first quarterback] taken.”
In other words, Pickett is just like Manziel, except he’s nothing like him at all.
Odd comparison aside, that’s high praise for the Heisman finalist. Pickett dominated his senior season, throwing for 4,319 yards and 43 touchdowns. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Todd McShay unveiled his first NFL mock draft, and had the Steelers selecting Pickett with the No. 12 overall pick.
Much like the unnamed AFC exec, McShay thinks Pickett will be the first quarterback taken off the board.
With Ben Roethlisberger’s deal expiring, the Steelers will almost certainly be looking for a quarterback this offseason. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer has been adamant that Mike Tomlin wants to target a veteran, leading some to speculate about Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson landing in Pittsburgh next season.
But Pickett may be an exception to the rule, especially given his local connection. The quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Panthers back to glory being pegged as the QB to lead the Steelers back to the postseason. The story is too good to pass up, just like Pickett, according to at least one exec.