Our NFL rookie profile series continues with this analysis of 2022 Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie prospect George Pickens, WR from Georgia. We will continue to provide you with these in-depth rookie profiles and a ton of other fantasy football rookie analysis right up through the NFL Draft. Stay tuned, and stay ahead of your league!
When looking at the 2022 class as a whole, the consensus seems to agree that it is top-heavy at the running back position, but wide receiver is where the depth and value will be. Tier one seems to be locked up, but the top slot in tier two is open for grabs and there is one wide receiver who could have arguably been near the top of tier one prior to the 2022 season: George Pickens.
THE STATS
Statistics from Sports Reference.
Pickens tore his ACL in spring practice on March 23, 2021, yet was able to return to practice and wound up playing his first game of the 2021 season on November 27, a mere eight months and five days post-ACL reconstruction. As seen above, he only had five receptions on the season, but it was truly remarkable that he was able to suit up as quickly as he was and contribute for the National Champions.
Statistically speaking, Pickens did not make as much of an impact as his fellow draft prospects. Of note, Georgia was not a dominant passing attack, often playing conservatively and relying on their defense to carry their 54th-ranked passing attack (averaged 247.9 yards per game). When Pickens did play, his strengths were utilized in stretching the field, winning on back-shoulder throws, and winning contested catches.
Go look at some George Pickens highlights on YouTube, then go look at AJ Green college highlights, you’ll think you’re still watching George Pickens. Stylistically they are almost identical in how they look and move on the field, a lot of very similar catches, a very similar play style, same height, same speed. Now with that said AJ Green was a vastly superior prospect one of the few truly “elite” prospects, but I can see a path to success for Pickens based on his similarities to AJ Greens style.
