One NFL insider believes that Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett possesses a singular trait that should earn him the starting job this fall. While intangibles can give athletes an edge over similarly talented competitors for the same job, measurables and traits do matter.
Granted, few people at the professional level will use a stopwatch to time a race, but specific physical abilities are still essential. For the Browns, who look locked in a four-way quarterback battle for two spots, any perceived edge will mean the difference between earning a spot or sitting on the practice squad.
NFL Insider Highlights Kenny Pickett’s Mobility as Key to Browns QB Race
While teams invest millions in the offensive line, none execute perfectly on every snap. As a result, some protection must come from the quarterback, who must serve as his blocker and evade the rush.
If a signal-caller can extend the play, it helps receivers buy a little time as they work back to the quarterback, generating daylight and a throwing window. As training camp sits three weeks away, the Browns still need to find a starting quarterback. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot believes Pickett’s nimbleness could be a deciding factor.
“That will be Pickett’s superpower in the competition: the mobility that will enable the Browns to be creative and unpredictable in the return to Kevin Stefanski’s offense,” Cabot wrote. “With him at the helm, the Browns will not only use his legs to their advantage but will also run the ball a lot and rely heavily on play-action.”
Building on his mobility, Cabot also highlights Pickett’s strong passing skills and ball security, further strengthening his case as the Browns’ starting quarterback.
“Pickett, who went 14-10 in his 24 starts in Pittsburgh, also excels at distributing the ball and letting his receivers create after the catch,” Cabot continued. “Ideally, he’ll protect the ball the way he did in his second season in Pittsburgh, when he threw only four interceptions in his 12 starts and didn’t lose either of his two fumbles.”
No one will ever confuse Pickett with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, Cabot’s points hold water. Based on his coaching preferences, Stefanski would run the ball 40 times if he could. However, that plays right into the defense’s hands, as they could easily throw eight in the box and dare the Browns to throw the ball.
Instead, Pickett can take the snap from under center, shotgun, or even pistol and keep the defenders at bay, especially on RPO. They will shoot downhill if they suspect a running back is on the field. Subsequently, receivers can occupy their vacated spots. We all recall what sparked Pickett’s entry into the national discussion.
Looking at the other quarterbacks in contention, no running threat exists. Late in his career, Joe Flacco runs much as he did earlier, meaning he still possesses little to no burst with his feet.
Although younger, Shedeur Sanders eschews breaking the pocket to stay between the tackles and move the pocket slightly, if needed. While Dillion Gabriel did score 33 rushing touchdowns, that’s also a six-year college stint, and he didn’t exactly win with pure speed.
Pickett could win the job, validating why the team made the trade for him. Still, is that enough for him to keep the job with numerous options existing if he doesn’t start the season well?