7 wide receivers the Vikings could select in the 2022 NFL Draft

George Pickens (Georgia)

Measurements:

• Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 200 pounds

2021 Stats (4 games):

• 5 catches
• 107 yards (21.4 YPR)
• 0 touchdowns

George Pickens is another player that should arguably go in the first round of the draft, but there is not much conversation about that being the case as the draft draws near. He fits the prototypical build that the NFL desires with size and speed that can dominate the perimeter.

At 6-foot-3, Pickens ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash after returning to play the final stretch of the season for Georgia after tearing his ACL last spring. He never eclipsed 1,000 yards for the Bulldogs in three seasons and injuries were part of the reason why.

Pickens played in just eight games in 2020 and four games in 2021 but has looked incredible when on the field. He thrives as a vertical threat on the outside and a red-zone target that can pile up touchdowns at the next level.

For a team like the Vikings who value the run game, Pickens can really make an impact. He is a willing blocker that is not afraid to get dirty. One of his biggest highlights from the 2021 season came in the College Football Playoff when he effortlessly shoved a cornerback on his rear end right off the snap.

The little things like blocking will only increase his playing time as a rookie. George Pickens is going to be a very good pro as long as he can stay on the field. If he is available with the 46th pick, it would be a no-brainer for the Vikings to usher him into the building as the eventual replacement for Adam Thielen.