Kenny Pickett Discusses Hand-Size Concerns Ahead of 2022 NFL Draft
Feb 1, 2022
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett celebrates after their win against Wake Forest in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Kenny Pickett knows he will eventually have his hands measured ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, but he chose not to go through the process during the Senior Bowl weigh-in and will instead focus on mobility stretches leading up to the NFL Scouting Combine next month at Lucas Oil Stadium.
He also believes that playing his collegiate football at Pittsburgh proved his hand size shouldn't be a significant concern.
"I think that's like the No. 1 thing for quarterbacks in the draft process every year is hand size," Pickett said Tuesday, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN. "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."
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added more context to the quarterback's decision:
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett didn’t have his hands measured here in Mobile, but he has a good reason: He’s double jointed, so his thumb naturally points an odd direction, and he’s doing extra exercises to get an accurate measurement at the combine in March. pic.twitter.com/KLMdraG9AC
Few players improved their draft stock more during the 2021 season than Pickett, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist and completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He led the Panthers to their first ACC championship by throwing for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the conference title game win over Wake Forest.
Pittsburgh finished with 11 wins and reached the mark for the first time since the 1981 campaign.
Pickett also timed his breakout campaign well considering this year's quarterback class is considered relatively weaker than those in years past. That means he could hear his name called fairly early in the first round if he impresses during the predraft process.
B/R's NFL Scouting Department listed the Pittsburgh product as the second-best quarterback in the class behind Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder on its big board on Jan. 7, while ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Pickett as the No. 16 overall player in this draft.
Nobody has truly separated themselves in a quarterback class that includes Ridder, Pickett, Ole Miss' Matt Corral, Liberty's Malik Willis and North Carolina's Sam Howell, meaning every detail will be scrutinized ahead of April's draft in Paradise, Nevada.
Hand size is a major detail for quarterbacks, as NFL teams look for players who will not have fumble issues in poor weather, and Pickett's measurements will be firmly under the spotlight after he opted out of the process at the Senior Bowl.
Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Malik Willis Headline QBs on 2022 Senior Bowl Rosters
Jan 4, 2022
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett celebrates after their win against Wake Forest in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Kenny Pickett opted out of Pittsburgh's bowl game against Michigan State, but he will lace it up at the 2022 Senior Bowl.
ESPN's Jordan Reid reported Pickett, North Carolina's Sam Howell, Liberty's Malik Willis, Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder, Nevada's Carson Strong and Western Kentucky's Bailey Zappe will all compete in the Senior Bowl as quarterbacks.
The first thing that jumps out about this year's top QB prospects—not including Ole Miss' Matt Corral, who isn't playing in the Senior Bowl—is that they all come from programs that are not considered traditional football powerhouses.
While players such as Clemson's Trevor Lawrence, Alabama's Mac Jones and Ohio State's Justin Fields went from dominating headlines at major programs and competing for national titles during their collegiate careers right into the NFL spotlight as first-rounders in last year's draft, this year will be different.
Yet, this is a group that is accustomed to exceeding expectations.
All Ridder did was lead the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff as they became the first Group of Five team to reach the sport's biggest stage. Pickett directed the Panthers to the ACC title, and Zappe became the NCAA FBS single-season record holder in passing yards and touchdowns while playing for the Hilltoppers.
There will likely be more concerns that Howell and Willis will have to overcome as far as their 2021 campaigns.
Howell was seen by many as a Heisman Trophy candidate for a North Carolina team that could take home the ACC crown. Instead, the Tar Heels went 6-7 and struggled with consistency while their quarterback threw for career lows in yards (3,056) and touchdowns (24) to go with a career-high nine interceptions.
As for Willis, he didn't face the same level of competition at Liberty and struggled in a high-profile game against Ole Miss with zero touchdown passes and three interceptions.
The quarterbacks will have a chance to bolster their draft stock Feb. 5 when the Senior Bowl takes place in Mobile, Alabama, at 2:30 p.m. ET.
In B/R's latest big board, the players were ranked as follows: Ridder (17), Pickett (43), Corral (82, not playing), Willis (87), Howell (92), Strong (93), Zappe (107).
Payton Thorne, Michigan State Rally Past Pittsburgh to Win 2021 Peach Bowl
Dec 31, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 31-21 in the 2021 Peach Bowl on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to close out the season with an 11-2 record, the program's best finish since 2015.
The Spartans finished third in the Big Ten East Division to earn their first bowl appearance since 2019, when they defeated Wake Forest in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Michigan State's performance on Thursday was impressive, especially because the team was without star running back Kenneth Walker III, who opted out to prepare for the 2022 NFL draft.
Notable Stats
Payton Thorne, QB, MSU: 29/50 for 354 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT and 10 CAR for 4 YDS
Davis Beville, QB, PITT: 14/18 for 149 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
Jayden Reed, WR, MSU: 6 REC for 80 YDS, 2 TD
Jordan Addison, WR, PITT: 7 REC for 114 YDS
Jalen Nailor, WR, MSU: 6 REC for 108 YDS
Late Push From MSU Seals Win Despite Poor Rushing Performance
Obviously, replacing Walker is no easy task. The Walter Camp and Doak Walker Award winner finished with 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground in his first season with the Spartans after transferring from Wake Forest.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker even acknowledged that it would be challenging to replace Walker while meeting with reporters earlier this week.
"It's hard to replace a guy like Ken, you really can't do that, but we have other players obviously on our roster at that position that are going to be next man up and they're going to step up and get the job done," Tucker said. "We have a plan for that, and I feel really good about our run game right now in our preparation."
Walker averaged 137.2 yards per game this season. The Spartans opted to give Jordon Simmons most of his workload on Thursday, and it didn't work out so well.
Simmons finished the game with just 23 yards on 16 carries. As a whole, the MSU offense finished with just 56 rushing yards, which is far lower than the 185.6 yards on the ground they were averaging entering the Peach Bowl.
Despite Simmons' underwhelming performance, fans should look forward to seeing him as the team's top running back in 2022. He entered the Peach Bowl with 54 carries for 255 yards, in addition to six receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown.
Simmons also led Michigan State in rushing last year and proved he could be a top running back earlier this season when he rushed for 121 yards against Youngstown State in September.
Despite the poor rushing performance, Payton Thorne got the job done under center, leading two late touchdown drives to capture the win. Receivers Jalen Nailor and Jayden Reed, who finished with a combined 188 yards, were also instrumental in the win.
It should also be noted that Tucker agreed to a 10-year, $95 million contract earlier this season to continue serving as MSU's head coach. He's been a big reason the Spartans turned things around in 2021, and he'll only continue to have a positive impact on the program moving forward.
Pittsburgh Defense Comes Up Big, but Offense Falters Without Pickett
For Pittsburgh, Thursday's Peach Bowl was supposed to be all about junior quarterback Nick Patti, who has sat behind Pickett throughout his college career.
However, Patti exited in the first frame after rushing for a 16-yard touchdown with 7:57 left in the quarter. He went to the sideline and was taken to the locker room by Pittsburgh's medical staff.
Patti later emerged from the locker room with his jersey off and his left arm in a sling, signaling that he was done for the night. Sophomore quarterback Davis Beville was then thrust into the starting lineup.
Not much was expected from the third-string quarterback, and he didn't do enough under center. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown and one late, costly interception.
Pittsburgh's top receiver Jordan Addison had seven catches for 114 yards and no touchdowns. Entering Thursday night, Addison was averaging 113.8 yards per game. It was his second straight game without a touchdown catch.
The big reason the Panthers were even in Thursday's game was because of their defense.
The Spartans were controlling play through much of the first half until Panthers defensive back Brandon Hill picked off MSU quarterback Payton Thorne with 2:03 remaining in the second quarter.
The Panthers turned that pick into a touchdown when Beville hit wide receiver Jared Wayne for a four-yard score just before halftime. That score helped give Pittsburgh a 14-10 lead.
The Spartans got the ball to start the second half, but the Pittsburgh defense forced Thorne into another costly turnover when defensive lineman John Morgan III recovered a fumble for a touchdown to help give the Panthers a 21-10 lead.
The Panthers held the Spartans scoreless in the third quarter, but the defense eventually ran out of gas, allowing two four-quarter TDs.
In terms of the quarterback position, the Panthers are still in a good spot for 2022 after receiving a commitment from Kedon Slovis, who announced he would be transferring to Pittsburgh from USC earlier this month.
"I was so excited when Coach Narduzzi called, because I knew that Pitt and this program were the right fit for me to keep developing into the best leader I can be," Slovis wrote in a piece for The Players' Tribune. "I'm ready to win now — and talking to the players who are returning, and seeing how hungry they are for next season, that got me pumped. They have a lot of talented players coming back. And, man … getting to throw the ball to the guy who just won the Biletnikoff?? That's something you don't pass up. The culture and identity that Coach Narduzzi has created is everything I want to be a part of."
Former USC QB Kedon Slovis Reportedly Transferring to Pitt; Threw 58 TDs in 3 Seasons
Dec 21, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 30: Kedon Slovis #9 of the USC Trojans passes against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Former USC quarterback Kedon Slovis announced in an article for The Players' Tribune Tuesday that he is transferring to Pittsburgh.
"USC will always be a special place to me," he wrote. "But now it’s time for me to start a new chapter. For my next two years of eligibility, I’ll be playing quarterback at the University of Pittsburgh."
Head coach Pat Narduzzi welcomed Slovis to the team on Twitter:
Slovis cited the chance to play with Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison as one of the reasons he made the switch:
I was so excited when Coach Narduzzi called, because I knew that Pitt and this program were the right fit for me to keep developing into the best leader I can be. I’m ready to win now—and talking to the players who are returning, and seeing how hungry they are for next season, that got me pumped. They have a lot of talented players coming back. And, man ... getting to throw the ball to the guy who just won the Biletnikoff?? That’s something you don't pass up. The culture and identity that Coach Narduzzi has created is everything I want to be a part of.
He'll be attempting to replace Kenny Pickett, the Heisman finalist who threw for 4,319 yards, 42 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season while adding 241 yards and five scores on the ground. He led the Panthers to an ACC title this year before declaring for the NFL draft, foregoing the chance to face Michigan State in the Peach Bowl.
While Pickett was one of the best players in college football this season, Slovis saw his career at USC take a different trajectory. After making a splash with the Trojans as a freshman in 2019, throwing for 3,502 yards, 30 scores and nine interceptions, injuries and the emergence of Jaxson Dart this season limited him over the past two campaigns.
He went 16-10 overall as USC's starter.
"Whether it's injuries, or having to navigate a season with COVID and so many unknowns... some things you just don't plan for," Slovis wrote. "And everything didn't go as I planned during the rest of my time at USC. There were obstacles, for sure, and we didn't win all the games we wanted to. But that didn’t stop me from giving all that I had to this team over these last three years."
Kedon Slovis is headed to Pitt. We don't know what kind of conversations he had with Lincoln Riley, so hopefully this is the best move for both guys, but wow. https://t.co/EZRnXbgoHY
Add in the fear in Norman that star freshman Caleb Williams could follow Lincoln Riley west to USC, and it wasn't a huge shock that Slovis is transferring. It's a big addition for Pitt, which will look to build on its successful 2021 campaign, while Dart remains the presumed starter going forward for the Trojans.
Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett Declares for 2022 NFL Draft, Will Skip Peach Bowl
Dec 17, 2021
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett scores against Wake Forest during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
After a stellar senior season, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett announced on Twitter that he will enter the 2022 NFL draft.
Pickett said he will not play in Pitt's Peach Bowl matchup against Michigan State and he will instead focus on preparing and training for his impending NFL career.
Pickett led the Panthers to an ACC championship this season, defeating Wake Forest 45-21 in the title game. It was the program's first conference title since 2010 when it was in the Big East.
The fifth-year senior ends his collegiate career as Pitt's single-season and all-time record holder in passing yards, touchdowns and completions. Pickett threw for 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns this season, surpassing Dan Marino's all-time school record for touchdowns in the ACC title game.
Thanks to Pickett's standout season, he was named ACC Player of the Year and was awarded the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm. He was also named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing third in the voting behind winner and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young along with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
Pickett had said after the conference championship game that he planned to play for the Panthers in the postseason. Pitt losing offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who resigned and accepted the same position at Nebraska on Dec. 7, could have factored into Pickett's decision to forgo the Peach Bowl.
In Pickett's absence, Pitt will likely turn to backup quarterback Nick Patti to start against Michigan State. In five appearances this season in relief of Pickett, Patti has completed 12 of 14 passes for 140 yards.
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett Is 'A Good Version of' Johnny Manziel, Says NFL Exec
Dec 13, 2021
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett looks to pass against Wake Forest during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
There is no clear favorite to be the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL draft, but Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett has impressed scouts.
One AFC executive provided an interesting comparison, telling Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated: "He's a good version of Johnny Football—better frame, head on shoulders and arm, and he's a better leader."
Johnny Manziel (6'0", 207 lbs) was a first-round pick in 2014 out of Texas A&M, but he only lasted two seasons and eight starts in the NFL.
The executive continued: "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."
The 6'3", 220-pound senior enters the bowl season with 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns against seven interceptions in 13 games, adding 233 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Pickett also led Pittsburgh to an ACC title and an appearance in the Peach Bowl while finishing third in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
He turned heads during the ACC Championship Game with a fake slide that led to a rushing touchdown:
Despite his production and highlight-reel plays, there could be some concern of him being a one-year wonder after never topping 13 touchdown passes in any of his previous four seasons at Pittsburgh.
For recent similar examples, Joe Burrow has played well in the NFL after just one year of college dominance, but the jury is still out on 2020 breakout star Zach Wilson.
It leaves a wide-open race for the top quarterback in the 2022 class, with Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder, Liberty's Malik Willis and Ole Miss' Matt Corral the other top contenders.
Pittsburgh's Jordan Addison Wins 2021 Biletnikoff Award
Dec 10, 2021
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison arrives for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison is the winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes college football's best receiver in the FBS. Any player who caught a pass during the 2021 campaign was eligible for the honor.
Addison beat out finalists David Bell (Purdue) and Jameson Williams (Alabama) for the award.
Addison, a sophomore at Pitt, had a breakout season in 2021 with 93 catches for 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns. The 19-year-old led the country in touchdown receptions and ranked first among all Power Five receivers in receiving yards.
"As a kid and playing receiver at this level, that's what every kid's dream is," Addison said in November after learning he'd been named a semifinalist for the award, per Johnny McGonigal of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "For me to be mentioned with the rest of the receivers on that list means a lot. But the job's not finished. I've gotta keep working and, you know, I have to do a lot more to help the team win. Right now, I'm not really focused on the award. I'm just trying to get this win this week coming up."
The 175-pound receiver clinched his spot as a Biletnikoff Award finalist with a 202-yard, four-touchdown performance in Pitt's 48-38 win over Virginia on Nov. 20. It was his best performance of the 2021 season.
Addison is just the third Pitt player to be named a Biletnikoff finalist, joining Larry Fitzgerald (2003) and Antonio Bryant (2000), who both won the award.
Addison warded off some strong competition for this effort.
Bell, a junior at Purdue, had 93 catches for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. Williams, a junior at Alabama, had the best season of his career in 2021 after transferring from Ohio State. He caught 68 passes for 1,445 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In the end, Addison's efforts for the ACC champions earned him a great individual honor.
Kenny Pickett, No. 15 Pittsburgh Rout No. 16 Wake Forest to Win 2021 ACC Championship
Dec 5, 2021
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
For the first time since 2014, there is a new ACC champion. While Clemson has dominated the conference as of late, the No. 17 Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the No. 18 Wake Forest Demon Deacons 45-21 on Saturday to win their first ACC title.
The Panthers had appeared in the ACC title game just once before Saturday's contest, falling to Clemson in 2018. Pittsburgh also had only faced the Demon Deacons just once before, with the Panthers coming out on top in a 34-13 win in 2018.
Notable Player Stats
Kenny Pickett, QB, PITT: 20/33 for 253 YDS, 2 TD and 6 CAR for 20 YDS, 1 TD
Sam Hartman, QB, WAKE: 21/46 for 213 YDS, 2 TD, 4 INT and 11 CAR for 1 TD
Jordan Addison, WR, PITT: 8 REC for 126 YDS
Taylor Morin, WR, WAKE: 4 REC for 83 YDS, 1 TD
Israel Abanikanda, RB, PITT: 9 CAR for 55 YDS, 2 TD
Kenny Pickett Impressive for Panthers in Win
Fifth-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is viewed as one of the top QB prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an impressive performance in Saturday's win.
The 23-year-old led the Panthers on two consecutive touchdown drives to open the game, and his fake slide on a 58-yard score might have been the highlight of the night.
Pickett also set a record on his first touchdown pass of the game, a 22-yard strike to Rodney Hammond Jr. He passed legendary NFL quarterback Dan Marino for the most touchdown passes in Pitt history.
Pickett continued his tremendous evening in the second quarter, hitting Jared Wayne with a four-yard score to set the ACC record for the most touchdown passes in a single season, passing Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Sam Howell and Trevor Lawrence.
Pickett continued his incredible night in the second half, leading the Panthers on two more touchdown drives. His performance had many NFL fans clamoring for their teams to draft him this spring:
I really like Kenny Pickett. I will not hate it if he ends up in Orange & Blue in April. #BroncosCountry
ESPN projected Pickett to be taken in the first round of the 2022 Draft. However, he was projected to be the second quarterback off the board behind Matt Corral of Ole Miss.
Regardless, Pickett's performance on Saturday night certainly improved his draft stock, so we'll just have to wait and see where he falls in the latest mock drafts following the College Football Playoff.
It should also be noted that sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda and sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison had impressive performances against the Demon Deacons.
Sam Hartman's Turnovers Cost Wake Forest
While Hartman tossed four interceptions in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh, the sophomore quarterback has a bright future ahead. He led the Demon Deacons on three consecutive touchdown drives to keep Wake Forest even with the Panthers for much of the first half.
Hartman's issues didn't begin until just before halftime. After leading his third touchdown drive of the game, the North Carolina native tossed an interception before being forced to punt on two consecutive drives before halftime.
Wake Forest started with the ball after halftime, but Hartman and the Demon Deacons offense weren't able to muster much as they were forced to punt on three straight drives.
Hartman then tossed his second interception of the night on the team's fourth drive of the half. It was costly, as the Panthers converted the turnover into a touchdown to take a 31-21 lead with 47 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Hartman followed that up with his second consecutive interception with 13:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. The turnover was once again turned into a Pitt touchdown.
Hartman's third straight interception -- a pick-six -- gave the Panthers a 45-21 lead with 11:42 remaining in the game. That score put things out of reach for the Demon Deacons.
Wake Forest's last 11 drives...
INT Punt Punt Punt Punt Punt Punt INT INT INT Downs
Hartman was eventually replaced by freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis.
Despite Hartman's struggles, he could easily have Wake Forest back in the ACC title game next season. He entered Saturday's game completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 3,711 yards, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 343 yards and 10 scores.
Seeing as how Hartman is a sophomore and has plenty of college football ahead of him, there's no reason to believe he won't keep improving as the years go on. He'll also have the opportunity to bounce back in the team's bowl game.
All things considered, keep Hartman on your radar for the 2022 season and beyond.
What's Next?
Both teams won't make the College Football Playoff, but what a day it was for the two schools. Wake Forest now awaits its bowl game.
The 2021 ACC Championship Game will feature two schools in Pitt and Wake Forest that don't have a long history of playing in the conference's title game...
Report: Steelers, Raiders, Eagles Among GMs to Scout Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell
Nov 11, 2021
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 30: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in action during the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Heinz Field on October 30, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
A battle between Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell is getting a lot of attention among NFL personnel.
The two quarterback prospects will face off Thursday night as Pittsburgh hosts North Carolina, but the stands will be filled with scouts and executives:
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett & UNC QB Sam Howell will draw plenty of in-person eyes tonight. Some 30+ scouts are credentialed for game, including at least five GMs: Kevin Colbert (Steelers), Mike Mayock, George Paton (Broncos), Howie Roseman (Eagles) and Rick Spielman (Vikings). #ESPN
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. listed Pickett as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2022 class on his latest big board, while Howell was rated fifth-best at the position.
Pickett has put himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation this season with 3,171 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with only three interceptions in nine games for Pittsburgh. He's led the Panthers to a 7-2 record, including a 4-1 mark in the conference to sit first in the ACC Coastal division.
North Carolina (5-4, 3-3) has a chance to cut into that lead with a win Thursday, but it will need a strong performance from Howell.
The junior has 2,408 passing yards and 20 touchdowns this season, but he already has seven interceptions and his efficiency is down from 2020. His completion percentage has dropped from 68.1 to 63.1 and his passer rating fell from 179.1 to 157.9.
It's created doubt over a player who some projected as the No. 1 draft pick heading into the season.
There is still time for the passer to turn things around, and he will have a huge stage to do it on Thursday.
Among the teams in attendance, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are likely seeking long-term answers at quarterback while the Las Vegas Raiders and Minnesota Vikings could look for younger upgrades over Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins, respectively.
The Philadelphia Eagles might still have doubts about Jalen Hurts as they look to the draft for another franchise quarterback.
