Packers pull off huge trade in 2022 three-round mock draft
Round 1 (28): George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The beauty of the earlier trade is that Green Bay gave up a second-round pick, but not its other first-rounder.
At No. 28 overall, Brian Gutekunst gets much-needed wide receiver help with Georgia’s George Pickens.
Pickens also ticks all of the boxes for the Packers.
He has good size at 6-foot-3. Athleticism? Check. Pickens has an RAS of 9.37 out of 10. Age? Check. Like Hamilton, Pickens turned 21 in March.
In terms of potential, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes Pickens can be the best wide receiver in the class.
If in three years George Pickens is the best WR from this draft class, I won't be surprised.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 24, 2022
Some of that of course depends on where he lands (it does for everyone), but his ability is WR1 material.
Pickens has great hands and rarely drops the ball.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pickens has a drop rate of just 2.1% since 2019, second-lowest among SEC wide receivers.
This year, some first-round talents at wide receiver don’t offer much in the blocking department. That’s not the case with Pickens. He is a physical blocker, something Matt LaFleur would love.
The only concern with Pickens is a torn ACL he suffered in 2021. However, he did return before the end of the season.
At the bottom of the first round, Pickens could be an excellent choice for the Packers. He can become Green Bay’s next WR1.
With his athleticism, route-running ability, and great hands, he could quickly earn Aaron Rodgers’ trust.