Georgia Bulldogs WR George Pickens Drafted No. 52 Overall by Steelers
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ATHENS - Georgia Bulldogs receiver George Pickens was drafted 52nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft NFL Draft by the Steelers.
The former five-star prospect was a part of the Georgia Bulldogs 2021 national championship, but only after a near season-long recovery from an ACL injury that occurred in the spring. Pickens has his best season at Georgia in 2019, but only played 26 total games his entire time in Silver Britches. He ended his career at UGA with 90 receptions for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Pickens had a huge game against No. 7 Baylor in the 2020 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. He was named the game’s MVP for his 12 receptions. That performance tied a UGA bowl record and was the most receptions for a Dawg in 17 seasons. Pickens’ 52-yard pass against Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game was his career high.
The former Hoover (AL) star picked Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs over Auburn on Signing Day.
Most analysts predictions had Pickens going in the second round of the NFL Draft.
The Athletic reported draft week that Pickens was hurting himself with off-the-field issues. With a “league source managed to say something flattering about Pickens having ‘a lot of upside,’ but then added, ‘but he can’t get out of his own way.’”
The outlet further reported that Pickens has “some growing up to do” according to a receivers coach.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said he was happy Pickens worked his way back onto the field for the Dawgs’ final few games of the season.
“I’m just glad of the effort George has been putting into getting back,” Smart said after Georgia’s blowout win over Tech. “He’s worked really hard. We know guys on the team that have had ACLs. It’s a mental injury as much as it is a physical injury. It’s taxing, and it’s draining to sit there and watch all of your friends play in the spring and play the spring game and then go play in the fall. And you’re sitting there doing rehab all the time.”