Since the blockbuster trade that led the Dallas Cowboys to steal George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s been great vibes all around the organization.
CeeDee Lamb has been quick to get close with Pickens by having his back in the media. Lamb even told reporters that they are both No. 1 receivers. The NFL media has been touting the two players, as well as Dak Prescott, to take the offensive to new heights, like their record-breaking season back in 2023.
Now, Pro Football Focus just came up with a stat that underlines exactly why Pickens is such a good match with Prescott. The former second-round pick was PFF’s highest-graded receiver on go routes last season with a 95.6 mark, just edging out Terry McLaurin and Lamb.
PFF ranks Cowboys’ George Pickens as highest-graded WR on go routes
Not only did Pickens lead the league with 19 go-route targets, but his 26.0 percent target clip was the highest on his route tree, per Lauren Gray.
“He was the only receiver to record double-digit catches from go routes, securing 10 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown,” Gray writes. “Pickens logged 36% of his receiving yardage (987 yards) on go routes last season, with each catch gaining 20-plus yards.”
“The newly acquired Cowboy leads the league with 48 go-route targets across the past three seasons and has 23 catches for 822 yards and three touchdowns on such plays, leading to a 97.1 PFF receiving grade on those plays (second best).”
Pickens’ elite athleticism and body control allow him to come down with contested catches. The strong guard tandem of Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker should give Prescott enough time in the pocket to fire deep bombs to Pickens for hopefully some explosive plays this season.
It’s not hyperbolic to say the Steelers wasted Pickens’ dynamic talent as he never got the consistent quarterback play that he needed. It stands to reason that Prescott throwing him the football will take his game to new heights.
Sure, there are concerns about Pickens’ ability to keep his emotions in check. But make no bones about it: His raw athleticism is badly needed. The WR corps was extremely thin prior to his arrival.
With Pickens teaming up with Prescott and Lamb, the Cowboys’ offense is destined for greatness in 2025.
