3 Most Likely Kenny Pickett Destinations in the 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is slated to begin on Thursday, April 28. Although this isn't the most quarterback-heavy class we've seen, there are a few intriguing signal-callers to keep an eye on, including the Pittsburgh Panthers' Kenny Pickett.

Pickett enjoyed his best collegiate season last fall, racking up 334 completions, 4,319 passing yards and 42 touchdowns to seven interceptions in 13 games. He was also productive when needed on the ground, turning 98 carries into 223 yards and five TDs.

With several teams quarterback-needy teams ready to draft in the first round, here are the three most likely Pickett destinations at the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kenny Pickett NFL Draft

1. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers' QB room was a disaster last season with Sam Darnold, Cam Newton and P.J. Walker yielding minimal results. Although Darnold and Walker are still under contract in 2022, they haven't done much to show that they can be a legitimate QB1 going forward. That's why it makes sense for the Panthers to think of the future a select Pickett with the sixth overall pick. He already has a connection with the team due to head coach Matt Rhule trying to recruit him to Temple years ago. Both sides have had good things to say about the other, making it all the more likely that Pickett will be wearing a Panthers jersey sooner than later.

2. New York Giants

The New York Giants' management and coaching staff have made it clear that Daniel Jones is expected to be the 2022 starter. Having said that, Jones has had a shaky career in New York and hasn't made major strides in his development. While the Giants haven't exactly surrounded him with great talent, a fresh start under center might be best for the organization. Even if they draft Pickett, it isn't like he'll be forced into a starter's role this year. Jones can start for the 2022 campaign while the Giants build the former up. Head coach Brian Daboll had a great impact on Josh Allen's career in Buffalo and it wouldn't be shocking if he could do the same for Pickett.

3. Houston Texans

After trading Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns, Davis Mills sits atop their quarterback depth chart. A third-round pick in 2021, Mills looked fairly adequate in 11 starts last season. Keeping that in mind, there's no guarantee that he'll develop into a true starter. The Texans need a game-changer who can help guide them back to prominence and Pickett could be that guy if they get him at No. 13. He's elevated his play when needed and has a 2021 ACC Player of the Year trophy to show for it. Having Pickett and Mills compete for the QB1 job could elevate both young gunslingers' play, giving the Texans the best outcome in the process.

Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.