Five Players who improved their 2022 NFL Draft stock in week five

Week five of the college football season was highlighted by two strong performances from quarterback prospects who are seeing their stock rise this season. The week also saw two running back who had by far the most impressive game of their careers, and a sleeper outside linebacker who made a big impact.

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Perhaps no player has improved his stock more this season than Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett who started the year off with a seventh-round grade has now moved up to the third or fourth round area of the 2022 NFL Draft. The main reason for this rise up the draft board is he has looked much more in control of the Panthers’ offense.

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His command of the offense has shown up in several ways this season with one of them being how much better of a decision-maker he has been. In 2019 he threw only 13 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions but so far this season he has tossed 19 touchdowns and only one pick. He has done a significantly better job of going through his reads as well and is not afraid to take the check-down route.

Along with his better touchdown to interception ratio, his completion percentage has also jumped up from 61% to 72% this season. One other area Pickett has shown remarkable improvement on is his mechanics and especially his footwork. The improvement in these areas has made him more comfortable in the pocket which is another reason he is having a breakthrough season this year.

While Pickett has gotten off to a great start this year he still does have some tough tests left this season. One of these is his game against Clemson on October 23rd. He will also need to have a strong bowl game and perform well at the Senior Bowl if he is to move up to be a possible late first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.