Kenny Pickett logs new hand size at Pittsburgh Panthers Pro Day

Former Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett could become the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the biggest downfalls in Pickett’s draft stock, though, is his small hand size. His hand measured at 8 1/2 inches at the NFL Scouting Combine, but a few weeks later, his measurement increased.

At Pittsburgh’s Pro Day, Pickett’s hand measured at 8 5/8 inches, an increase of 1/8 of an inch, according to NFL.com.

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett's hand measures larger at pro day than at NFL Scouting Combine. (via @AKinkhabwala)https://t.co/RXWDzlbQFl pic.twitter.com/FYvIQyChYY

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) March 21, 2022

Hand size is an interesting conversation when it comes to quarterbacks. Signal callers with smaller hands tend to have more trouble gripping the ball, especially when it is raining or cold outside. Pickett’s increase in hand size should help his case at least a little bit, although teams will likely still have questions.

Pickett is coming off of a breakthrough season at Pittsburgh. He was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy after completing 67.2% of his passes, throwing for 4,319 yards with 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions. On the ground, Pickett added five more touchdowns.

Todd McShay chimes in on Pickett’s hand size

At this year’s Senior Bowl, players had to battle against the elements when rain came through during one of the practices. Pickett’s hand size reportedly showed up during that weather, and ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay doesn’t think that did any favors for Pickett.

“Overall I thought he had a solid week,” Todd McShay said of Pickett at the Senior Bowl. “It definitely isn’t his best format. He’s got some mobility, but he’s not Malik Willis. He doesn’t have the big time arm. And the small hands really did show up on Wednesday. So if that was a concern for you as a scout or general manager coming into the week, it certainly didn’t help.

“I even go back to the North Carolina game this year. The second half when the rain and the wind started to creep in, look at what happened to Kenny Pickett and the Pittsburgh offense.”

With many quarterbacks being traded across the NFL, the picture for the draft eligible quarterbacks is incredibly uncertain. Many quarterback needy teams have addressed the position, at least temporarily, through other moves this offseason. There are a few possible landing spots in the first round, but a quarterback might not go top ten, or even top 15 at this point. McShay projected Pickett as the first quarterback off the board despite his small hand size, although he wasn’t picked until 18th overall by the New Orleans Saints.