Washington Football Team Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for Washington

3. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt

Ron Rivera spoke of Washington’s ever-growing need to find a franchise quarterback, and his comments were a little depressing. Can you remember the last time Washington had a sure thing under center? Kirk Cousins? Woof.

It obviously remains to be seen if Washington will have a high enough draft pick to pounce on one of the highest-rated prospects. Luckily for them, they likely won’t need a top-five pick. Not only are just a few teams on the prowl for a gunslinger, but the 2022 class is one of least-hyped groups in recent memory.

Enter Kenny Pickett, the star of the Pittsburgh Panthers who continues to ascend up draft boards amid his domination of the ACC. Pickett has always shown flashes of NFL potential during his time at Pitt, but he’s taken that long-awaited next step as senior, throwing for 2,236 yards and 21 touchdowns to just one INT.

For quarterbacks who have at least 200 drop backs this season, Pickett is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded passer. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he’s the prototypical size for an NFL QB, so no worries there.

Even more intriguing is the fact that Pickett excels pushing the ball downfield, as he’s completed 21 of 32 such passes for 730 yards (34.7 YPA!) and 10 TDs.

Want another tasty nugget, Washington fans? Pickett has a tremendous feel for pressure and is adept at escaping outside the pocket and extending plays. The last time we checked, that’s incredibly important in today’s NFL.

In sum, Pickett should be high on the WFT’s list of draft targets.