Chicago Bears 2021 Draft Scouting Report: Pitt QB Kenny Pickett

It truly feels like the Chicago Bears 2021 draft is going to involve a quarterback. The lingering question is not if they'll take one, but when. Right now they're projected to pick in the mid-teens. Not exactly a hot spot for the best QBs in a class to go. Circumstances might force them to wait until later before pulling the trigger. The good news is it seems there might be some solid depth to this class as well. This team hasn't selected a QB in the later rounds since David Fales way back in 2014. It would be interesting to see if that streak finally came to an end. Could Kenny Pickett be one of the names they lock onto? Here is a breakdown of what the Pitt standout brings to the table.

Kenny Pickett evaluation for Chicago Bears 2021 draft

Strengths:

• Accuracy is pretty consistent. Not a lot of misplaced balls, especially at the short and intermediate levels.
• Ability to throw on the run is there. Shows he can still hit guys in tight windows moving to both his left and right.
• Field vision isn't lightning fast but he tends to identify the open man quickly and gets the ball out.
• Doesn't freeze in the face of pressure. Keeps his eyes up and still manages to find the hot read before getting hit.

This is where Pickett is at his best. Gets good protection and time to survey. When he has room to throw, he'll deliver it on time and has the accuracy to zip even into tight coverages here. Sees the receiver getting behind the corner. Delivers the ball right between him and the safety for a pretty touchdown.

• Top QBs always say the best thing to do is just let it rip. That is what he does. Lot of conviction in his throws.
• Has the necessary mobility to keep plays alive and take off on scrambles for first downs when given lanes.
• Underrated quality? His willingness to sell fakes. Whether it's play action or arm pumps, he really goes for it and has success.

Weaknesses:

• Arm strength is probably second tier. Not a wet noodle but average to the point where he'll limit the playbook in certain situations.
• Aggressiveness down the field is a serious question mark. Doesn't take a lot of deep shots and isn't overly good at them.
• While he sees the field well enough, his processing speed needs to improve. He tends to linger on his first read a little too often.
• Already has a bit of a tendency in that he heavily favors throwing to his right. That could be an issue NFL defenses exploit.
• Size is average. While listed at 6'2 and 220 lbs, he doesn't look that on the field. Seems thin and might be an inch shorter too.
• Productivity doesn't induce much excitement. Had 25 TD passes combined in 26 games in 2018 and 2019. Has 8 through six games in 2020.

Pro comparison: Nathan Peterman

Yes, it seems lazy to compare Pickett to another former Pitt quarterback but seriously. The similarities between the two are pretty striking. Peterman has almost the exact same body type, throwing motion, and arm strength. He could move around a bit but it became apparent almost right away that NFL defenses moved at a speed he couldn't catch up to. That is why he is a backup in the league.

Projection: 5th round

Pickett comes across as a QB who isn't going to fit in every type of offense. If a team is looking for somebody who attacks and likes to stretch defenses down the field? He isn't the guy. However, if it's more of a West Coast-style of playing the chess match and taking what the defense gives? He is capable of doing that. He's accurate and mobile enough. The big question will be whether he can process at a high enough speed to make it work.