INDIANAPOLIS — When George Pickens arrived in Indianapolis, it resonated that he left Georgia a national champion.
Pickens returned to the venue where his Bulldogs won their long-awaited title in January. He took one more glance back before looking ahead to his NFL future at the scouting combine.
“Monday when we flew in, it really hit me that I caught a post (route) here (in the title game),” Pickens said.
Pickens was an uber talented receiver for Georgia the past three seasons, but his final season was limited to four games. Pickens tore his ACL last March, costing him almost all of Georgia’s dominant regular season before returning for the Georgia Tech game Nov. 27.
While Pickens made only five catches in four contests, he demonstrated why he’s still a highly regarded prospect. Two of his catches went for 41 and 52 yards, respectively, in each of Georgia’s games against Alabama. The second snag showed Pickens at his finest, outrunning the defense and making a diving, stretching grab.
In between his highlight catches, Pickens made waves with his physical blocking in the Orange Bowl. He shoved over Michigan defensive back and draft prospect Daxton Hill and shushed the Wolverines sideline afterward. Pickens takes pride in his trash talking – he said he’s usually the initiator – and blocking, which stems from Georgia’s culture.
“Blocking has always been a part of the program, a part of the scheme of the team, and I’ve always been physical,” he said. “That’s one of the things I can also add to my game besides pass catching and besides going deep. Blocking is, for sure, one of the things I pride myself on.”
But Pickens’ appeal is his ball skills and athletic ability. Many believe there’s untapped potential in Pickens because his college production fluctuated because of injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. He could be an immediate-impact player in the right situation.
“Oh, man, it’s like a volcano waiting to erupt,” Georgia offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer said. “Everybody knows he’s good, but I don’t think people really understand how special he is. That’s one of those special talents, man. A team would be lucky to have him on their roster. He’s freaky. I’ll leave it at that.”
Bulldogs running back Zamir White added: “George is a baller. George works hard in practice and in the weight room. He’s a smart guy. George is just George. He’s that dude.”
Pickens believes his contested-catch skills and ability to draw flags downfield will translate well to the NFL. He hopes to run a 40-yard dash in the 4.3-4 range. “A lot of people don’t think I’m that fast, so I just want to show everybody that,” he said.
If Pickens runs well, he could work his way into the first round. He’s currently projected as a second rounder by most outlets.
“I know I can present to teams exactly what a first-round pick is,” Pickens said. “My routes, my speed, my intelligence of the game. A lot of people don’t know that about me. I watch a lot of football.”
After going against NFL-caliber talent in Georgia practices and the SEC, Pickens feels prepared for the pros. He mentioned the Bulldogs having a college-best 14 players at the combine, emphasizing Georgia’s “NFL-style practices.”
Pickens, who’s listed 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, frequently studies Packers All-Pro Davante Adams. He references Adams’ smooth release and separation skills. Pickens’ athletic ability should help him separate as a pro, where perhaps a team could utilize him more downfield than Georgia did.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Pickens one of the draft’s wild cards.
“He’s had some injuries, but he’s really, really gifted. I thought he’d be more (late second round), but we’ll see how he goes through the spring. That guy can really go up and get the football. He can play above the rim. He’s a pretty crisp route runner for someone who’s 6-foot-3.”
Jeremiah mentioned Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars at No. 33 – the top pick of the second round – as a possible landing spot. Pickens has met with the Chiefs, Jets, Jaguars, 49ers and Packers, among others. He’ll commonly be mentioned for the Falcons, who possess two second-round picks and desperately need receiver help.
A strong week in Indianapolis – where his previous journey ended – could help Pickens reach his next goal of becoming a first-round pick. He’s hoping he’s convinced teams his best is yet to come.
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