George Pickens NFL Draft Profile
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6′-3″
Weight: 195 pounds
School: University of Georgia
George Pickens 2022 NFL Draft Profile
After winning a national championship in his junior season with the Georgia Bulldogs, George Pickens is entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Though Pickens suffered a torn ACL during the Spring of 2021, he made it back to the field to play in four games last season. In four games, Pickens had five catches for 107 yards. This includes one reception in the national championship game for 52 yards.
Pickens is from Birmingham Alabama and was a five-star recruit coming out of high school. He made an immediate impact during his freshman year in 2019. The young wideout played in 12 games and gathered 49 receptions for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. His freshman year was his best statistically, as Pickens only played in eight games in his sophomore year. Availability is a concern for Pickens, though he does have the traits to make an impact at the next level.
Strengths
- Uses all of his 6’3” frame to his advantage in extending to make big catches
- Fluid route running allows him the positioning to make and extend plays
- Has the physical traits to play on the perimeter in an “X” receiver role
- Tough player who likes to impose his will on opponents
- Able to make adjustments in the air and win on 50-50 balls
- Good use of his eyes to create deception in his route plan
Weaknesses
- ACL tear in 2021 and past injuries have limited his availability
- Still has room to add to his frame, as he is only 195 lbs. and 6’3”
- Needs to hone his footwork when facing off with more talented defensive backs
- Has a habit of attempting to hurdle defenders which limits his yards after the catch
- Displays a lack of effort on plays where he has a blocking assignment
NFL Comparison: DeVante Parker
Teams With Need at Position: Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers
Projection: Second-to-Third Round
Bottom Line on George Pickens
Pickens is a player with a lot of upside, but he also has the potential to be a big disappointment in the NFL. He’s got all the physical traits to be a number one receiver and one of the best in the league. However, that’s only if he lives up to his potential. When you factor in the question marks in his game, it’s safe to say he’ll need a few years to develop.
Pickens is 6’3” and 195 lbs. He’s got good size. But he could stand to add weight to match up better against the more physical competition in the NFL. Pickens also has some questions surrounding his work ethic. He seems to lack effort on blocking plays, which can’t look good to NFL teams considering him. Football is a team sport and he’ll have to learn to contribute even when he’s not the focal point of a play. Injuries are also a concern for Pickens, as he played just one full season at Georgia. He did make a fairly quick recovery from his ACL tear in 2021, but he’ll need to prove he can withstand the rigors of a full NFL season.
Even with the questions about Pickens, he’s one of the more talented wideouts in this year’s class. He’s not likely to go in the first round, but after that, all bets are off. His size, physicality, and ball skills will be tempting for a receiver needy teams. Though he doesn’t have game-breaking speed (4.47 40 yd dash), he’s quick enough and is a fluid route runner. If put into the right system, Pickens can thrive at the next level.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
