The consistent over-analysis of players at the NFL Combine is a common trend that provides fun commentary. The latest topic of discussion centers around presumed top overall pick Joe Burrow of LSU and his hands not measuring up to usual quarterback standards.
According to ESPN, Burrow’s hands only measured nine inches lengthwise from pinkie to thumb. The number is considered to be diminutive among quarterbacks selected in the first round of the draft. There have only been a handful of players with nine-inch hands drafted in the first round since they began measuring hand size in 2008. The concern over Burrow’s hand size led to a sarcastic tweet from Burrow later in the day.
Considering retirement after I was informed the football will be slipping out of my tiny hands. Please keep me in your thoughts.
— Joey Burrow (@Joe_Burrow10) February 24, 2020
Burrow wasn’t the only Quarterback criticized for small hand measurements as reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes faced the same story in 2017. Mahomes was tallied at 9-1/4 inches during his Combine stay only three years ago, and well, the rest of his success is forever lamented in NFL history.
The former Texas Tech star quoted Burrow’s joking tweet with one of his own offering support. “My small hands are doing alright so far….i believe in ya,” Mahomes tweeted, continuing to make light of the committee’s opinion on size standards.
My small hands are doing alright so far….i believe in ya 😂😂😂 https://t.co/o0UUwkSeOq
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 24, 2020
The NFL Combine begins this week as teams look to find the next big star and hopefully accomplish some goals before next season. The Chiefs were big winners while scouting Mahomes in 2017, so expect plenty of hidden gems to be uncovered throughout the process.