In the wake of the Deshaun Watson pursuit, the Falcons, who have the eighth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, heavily scouted Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett on Monday.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, offensive coordinator Dave Ragone and quarterbacks coach Charles London were on hand for Pitt’s Pro Day, according to senior bowl director Jim Nagy.
Pickett is considered the top quarterback in the upcoming draft. The Falcons will have a chance to address the team’s quarterback succession plan after franchise quarterback Matt Ryan was traded to the Colts on Monday afternoon.
The Falcons bypassed the quarterback market in the draft last year. They sought to trade for Watson, but he accepted a trade to Cleveland last week.
The quarterback group for the 2022 draft is not considered as talented as the group last year, when the Falcons, who had the fourth overall pick, elected to pass on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance went first, second and third overall before the Falcons picked tight end Kyle Pitts.
Pickett, who came on late in his career, caused a stir at the NFL scouting combine when his hands measured 8.5 inches. The preferred hand size is 9.5 inches.
In addition to Pickett, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, Liberty’s Malik Willis (Roswell and Westlake High), North Carolina’s Sam Howell and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder are considered among the top-five quarterback prospects.
Willis’ Pro Day is Tuesday, Corral on Wednesday and Ridder on Thursday.
Pickett was spectacular in a 52-21 rout of Georgia Tech on Oct. 1 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. He completed 23 of 36 passes (63.9%) for 389 yards and four touchdowns against the Yellow Jackets.
He made good use of an extra season of eligibility and tossed 40 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He completed 334 of 497 passes for 4,066 yards as he set several school records.
He finished third in Heisman Trophy voting.
Pickett tried to make the most of returning to Pitt after checking on his draft status after his junior season.
“This is a unique process,” Pickett said at the Senior Bowl. “I’m just trying to really enjoy every moment of it.”
Pickett would come in with some knowledge of the inner workings of an NFL team. The Panthers practice at the same facility as the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pickett is hoping to play early in his career.
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
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