Who Will The Kansas City Chiefs Draft? Georgia Wideout?

It’s now time to start moving towards the offseason and see what Chiefs fans have to look forward to. We are now moving closer to the 2022 NFL Draft and the Chiefs officially own pick number thirty in the first round. Kansas City currently own multiple picks during all days of the draft and will be the second time in five years they have a first round pick.

In a series of articles to follow, we will be reviewing potential draft candidates for the Kansas City Chiefs to take a look at early or late in this year’s draft. First Prospect is Wide Receiver and Georgia Bulldog, George Pickens.

George Pickens measurements:

• Height: 6’ 3”
• Weight: 200 lbs.
• Age: 20
• Class: Junior

Georgia Career

• 2022: 5 Rec, 107 Yards
• 2021: 36 Rec, 536 Yards, 6 TD
• 2020: 49 Rec, 727 Rec Yards, 8 TD

George Pickens, a five star recruit, started his college career off strong finishing just outside of the top ten in receiving yards and receptions as a true freshman while tied for sixth in receiving touchdowns in the SEC. Pickens led his team in all three categories during the 2019 campaign, where he went on to earn a place on the 2019 SEC All-Freshman Team.

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Having his numbers dip a little into his sophomore season, Pickens finished the season second on his squad in receiving yards while continuing to top the stat sheet in receiving touchdowns and receptions. During the 2020 All-State Sugar Bowl against seventh ranked Baylor Bears, Pickens finished the game with an impressive 12/175/1 stat line earning him game MVP.

Prior to Pickens junior year at Georgia, he was sidelined with a torn ACL in his right knee during offseason training. Sitting out for a majority of the 2021-2022 season, He was then cleared to play in the last game of the season and moving into the college football playoffs. While only recording one catch in each of his first two games back (Georgia Tech and Michigan), it was his play in the National Championship game that showed Pickens had returned to his natural athletic form post injury.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1486838572384722947?s=20&t=zKEorZGnOZ4ytSNDo7GqqA

George Pickens is a guy that can come into Kansas City and compete for the number two job right away. Having an entire year and off season to rehab from a torn ACL, Pickens can return to the player scouts once projected to be a top pick in the draft prior to injury. His body frame compares in size to former Kansas City Chief and Georgia alum Chris Conley and Minnesota Viking Adam Thielen.

Pickens tape shows the ability to separate from defensive backs at the line of scrimmage and create space on routes across the middle or over the top. His athletic ability and awareness combined with great body control in the air, allow him to high point the football or keep his feet in bounds through-out receptions.

Pulling the ball in and turning up field is not an issue when it comes to the Georgia product. Pickens catch and turn is smooth with the ability to make defenders miss in the process. He has the strength to haul in contended catches and fight forwards for extra yards after. His straight line speed gives him an advantage to pull away from defenders in open field.

Catching abilities aside, Pickens has also shown us that he can be just as valuable in the run game as well. Film shows times where he was able to knock defensive backs straight back off the line of scrimmage and down field.

This is exactly the caliber of player that would pair well with an explosive Chiefs offense. Pickens would slide in well opposite of Tyreek Hill giving the Chiefs a bigger down field threat and plus hands on the outside. His swagger and attitude toward the game are second to none. While his stock may have dropped slightly, George Pickens could see his value rise quickly again with an impressive combine and pro-day showing but should he fall to KC, he’s worth pulling the trigger on!