NFL
Which NFL quarterback has the smallest hands?
Kenny Pickett, the top NFL quarterback prospect has registered what would be the smallest hand size of any signal caller currently in the league.
The hand size of quarterbacks is a point of focus at the annual NFL Scouting Combine, and this year is no different.
Former Pittsburgh Panther Kenny Pickett has been the subject of much talk, as his right hand set a record of sorts. It was measured at 8 1/2 inches, making the potential first-round draft pick’s hand the smallest among all quarterbacks currently active in the league.
Current NFL record holders
Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints currently holds this record at 8 3/4 inches. After Hill, there’s a three-way tie among Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans, and the Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff, who all measure nine inches.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the median hand size of quarterbacks measured from 2008-2020 is 9 7/10 inches.
Despite the hand seeming like a trivial matter when it comes to weighing an NFL prospect’s chances of being drafted, fans and analysts are wondering if it will be a factor for teams who may be considering signing Pickett on.
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Size doesn't matter
The Heisman Trophy candidate does not seem particularly concerned about his numbers. “Whatever it measures, it measures,” said Pickett. “I’m sure that won’t be the end of it, but that’ll be the last measurement I’m sure I’ll take of it.”
Pickett’s hands were not measured at the Senior Bowl because he wanted to do a few more weeks of stretching exercises to get a more precise measurement at the Combine. He is double-jointed, with the thumb pointing at an unusual angle, which could potentially affect the measurement.
Burrow’s performance last season shows that hand size is not a huge factor in determining how well a quarterback can deliver. Joe Cool knew enough early on to shrug off concerns about his ability to control the ball.
Statistics also show that fumble rate and performance in adverse weather conditions are not determined by whether the quarterback’s hands are big or small.