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USATSI

The 2022 NFL offseason has been chock-full of notable quarterback movement. You'd think that it'll be hard for April's draft to match the intensity of the veteran market. But a couple of names could shake up the first round, with Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett arguably the consensus top QB of the class. CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson doesn't have Pickett ranked nearly as high as his peers, but even he admits the Panthers product is a good athlete, great leader and likely Day One starter in the NFL.

Where, exactly, could he end up? Here's a rundown of logical landing spots for the potential first-round pick:

Wild cards

Eagles: They keep defending Jalen Hurts as their starting QB, and they may mean it. But they've reportedly checked in on multiple veteran alternatives, they own three first-round picks (Nos. 15, 16, 19), and most importantly, they've done lots of work on Pickett. Aggressive general manager Howie Roseman scouted Pitt during the 2021 season, QBs coach Brian Johnson attended Pickett's pro day, and the Eagles reportedly hosted him for dinner around the same time.

Falcons: They have far more holes to fill than QB, but after trading Matt Ryan, they're actively in search of their next 15-year man, as owner Arthur Blank put it recently. Pickett checks the boxes as a potentially "safe" option on and off the field.

Giants: Taking him at No. 5 or No. 7 would be a little reminiscent of their Daniel Jones reach, and also ironic considering the new regime has committed to giving Jones a final audition in 2022. But what if coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen view Pickett as a safer dual-threat project under center? Tyrod Taylor's arrival as the No. 2 won't preclude them from taking a surprising swing.

Lions: Picking him No. 2 feels like an extreme long shot; Liberty's Malik Willis seems more likely there, with higher upside. But what if they move back? Or what if, for some reason, he's still on the board when they pick again at No. 32? The pricey Jared Goff may have defenders in the building, but they aren't that committed.

Seahawks: Willis has seemingly been mocked to Seattle more often, perhaps because he possesses more top-10 upside and the Seahawks are slated to pick No. 9. But any legitimate QB could be on their radar post-Russell Wilson, and Pickett may have the ready-made tools coach Pete Carroll covets for a team he swears is not rebuilding.

Texans: Taking him No. 3 would be relatively shocking, especially considering the promise third-rounder Davis Mills showed as a rookie in 2021. But what if he's available when they pick again, at No. 13? It's still more likely they'll build up the supporting cast for Mills and reevaluate down the road, but it can't be ruled out.

Titans: Money has tied them to Ryan Tannehill through 2022, and at least the veteran has a rebuilt supporting cast. But they will almost certainly consider a long-term QB bet if it presents itself. Let's say Pickett is on the board as their No. 26 pick approaches; they might think long and hard about pulling a Chiefs and moving up to secure a successor for their veteran playoff starter.

Front-runners

Panthers: At this point, it'll be a mild surprise if Pickett doesn't hold up a Panthers jersey on draft night. They badly need a QB. They've been linked to him for a while. Drafting a guy early would presumably buy their struggling regime some time. They met with him at the Senior Bowl. And coach Matt Rhule has a history with the QB, securing a commitment from Pickett to play for him at Temple before Rhule left for Baylor and Pickett subsequently rerouted to Pittsburgh.

Saints: Yes, they paid Jameis Winston decent money to return as the projected starter, but they had few other options. Winston remains a flyer at the position, and he can be cut to save $4-plus million in 2023. They could use another, younger long-term option as they turn the page on the Sean Payton era. If he's available at No. 18, there's a scenario where they pull the trigger and let he and Winston compete for the Week 1 job.

Steelers: From Pittsburgh to Pittsburgh! The Steelers admitted they want to throw multiple darts at QB in the wake of Ben Roethlisberger's departure, and while Mitchell Trubisky may well get a shot to earn the job, he'll essentially make top backup money on his deal. If Pickett is on the board as their No. 20 pick approaches, it's hard not to envision them getting excited.