George Pickens was a five-star high school prospect from Hoover, Alabama. He was the No. 1 prospect in the state and the No. 4 ranked receiver in the entire 2019 class. Pickens received offers from several top college programs, but chose to join an up-and-coming Georgia Bulldogs roster. As a true freshman in the SEC, Pickens immediately assumed the Alpha role in the Bulldogs receiving corps. He led the team in receptions and receiving yards by a wide margin, including a superb performance against Baylor when he caught 12 passes for 175 yard and a score.
In his sophomore campaign, Pickens continued to dominate the receiving work in a run-first offense. Despite missing two games, Pickens tied Kearis Jackson for a team-high 36 receptions and had one less yard than Jackson (513). Had he not missed any games, Pickens was on pace for 45 receptions and 770 yards. In the Peach Bowl, Pickens recorded seven receptions for 135 yards and a score.
In the 2021 spring season, Pickens tore his ACL causing him to miss almost all of the 2021 season. He returned to play against Georgia Tech, but only caught one pass for five yards. In the following four games, he was used minimally and ended the year with just five receptions for 107 yards. Pickens was a National Champion and was subsequently invited to the NFL Combine. Coming in somewhat injured, he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash, which is a decent mark considering his 200-pound frame. He is likely even faster at full health.
Pickens was selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. From a pure production standpoint, it was a modest rookie season for Pickens; however, fantasy gamers are inspired by his contested catch ability and acrobatic catches downfield. Pickens would reach new career highs in 2023, but the Steelers offense was clearly held back by Kenny Pickett. The Steelers went out and acquired Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to shore up the quarterback position. The other big move was the trading of Diontae Johnson. The team drafted Roman Wilson to replace him, but now Pickens is the clear, unquestioned alpha in this new look offense.
