'Why George Pickens?'
In the mold of Courtland Sutton -- meshed with the physicality of Dez Bryant
Separation capabilities & physicality
Even though he doesn’t get the reception here, watch him at the line of scrimmage.
Active feet, pauses and accelerates well for 6’3.
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Over 700 yards and 8 touchdowns as a Freshman in the SEC is impressive no matter how you slice it.
Physical, and lacking maturity at the line of scrimmage is how I would describe him during release periods.
Similar to Ja’marr Chase early in his LSU career - likes to attempt to bully the defensive back rather than win with his feet & eyes.
Pickens projects as an X receiver in the NFL and with reps like this he can develop into a primary target.
Abrupt movement during the release period then attacks the blindspot to give an easy throwing lane.
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Continually shows great bend, and curvilinear capabilities for a larger receiver - also excited that it appears that he is comfortable movement-wise post ACL when watching his pro-day.
He shows the ability to separate late in routes with the use of his hands.
Pickens’ length comes into play here when it comes to redirecting defenders when the ball is in-flight.
Like the ground, he covers here when he jump-stops.
Quicker than you think, and has an attractive combination of suddenness & length which will make him an asset around the Goal-line.
Through break transitions
Receivers with greater length at times can pre-determine their level drops & cuts - Pickens does not.
Again, the combination of length & suddenness is going to be attractive to offensive coordinators.
You don’t see Pickens operate often out of the slot, however, that can be effective with him in the RedZone.
Disrupts the pathing of #3 - allows him more room to make a play after the catch.
Not a particularly big threat with the ball in his hands - but I do like how his understanding of leverage can open the field up for him.
Pickens continually does a nice job on curl & comeback routes transitioning back to the football.
Can create space with level drops as well as his hands.
In-air athleticism
This is Pickens’ calling card. Can seemingly sell out and extend to catch anything.
His length combined with his horizontal leaping capabilities are a top-shelf coupling.
Can contort, bend, and decelerate back to the football as good as anyone in terms of physical talent.
A bit immature as a mover & pass catcher, but these are undeniable traits that not many have.
The control to get the feet in is what’s impressive here.
Full turn, no problem. Always does a nice job of ‘freeze-framing’ during boundary plays.
Track - extend - protect.
Really good job in all three of these phases from Pickens.
Success in contested catch situations
If Pickens can remain healthy this is what will make him a Star in the league.
Strong, and willing pass catcher in the middle of the field with the physicality to absorb imminent contact.
Back shoulder concepts will be a part of his tree in the NFL.
Can easily contort and adjust to off-target throws.
Ascension grades
Tier 1: 75.00 & over -- Gold Jacket potential
Tier 2: 65.00 - 74.99 -- All-pro ceiling
Tier 3: 55.00 - 64.99 -- Pro-bowl ceiling
Tier 4: 49.98 - 54.99 -- High floor primary receiving option
Tier 5: 44.96 - 49.97 -- High ceiling / High-risk prospect
Tier 6: 39.50 - 44.95 -- Niche role player / spot producer
Tier 7: 39.49 & below -- Depth player with low ceiling
