Kenny Pickett acknowledges hand size concerns ahead of NFL draft, cites playing in 'tough weather' at Pittsburgh

MOBILE, Ala. — Kenny Pickett knew what was coming.

Pickett, one of the top quarterback prospects in this year's NFL draft, acknowledged questions about his hand size one day after electing to not have his throwing hand measured as part of the Senior Bowl weigh-in.

The former University of Pittsburgh quarterback said he will improve his hand mobility through stretches ahead of this month's NFL scouting combine, where he will get an official measurement. He also cited his experience playing in the «tough weather» of Pittsburgh as proof that his hand size won't be an issue at the next level.

«I think that's like the No. 1 thing for quarterbacks in the draft process every year is hand size,» Pickett said Tuesday. «The good news is that I play in Pittsburgh. Anyone that's been to Pittsburgh knows it's not the nicest place to play in October, November.

»So I've had experience playing in tough weather and I didn't measure in this week. I just want to give the most measurement I can. I'm working on mobility things."

Pickett, a Heisman Trophy finalist and the winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award this past season, is playing on the National team at this week's Senior Bowl. He went through four hours of interviews Monday with NFL teams, then spent another hour with teams Tuesday morning before practice.

Pickett's draft stock improved dramatically in 2021 after going back to school based off advice from Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, who told Pickett that he would've been a «Day 3 player» had he entered the draft last year.

Pickett is the No. 16 player overall on ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest Big Board and the top quarterback, while he is rated as the No. 20 player overall by ESPN's Todd McShay, just one spot head