Packers, Chiefs set to fight for top-rated wide receiver

The Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs both lost wide receivers Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, respectively, this 2022 offseason. Naturally, they are looking to fill that void by targeting a wideout in the NFL Draft.

Now according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, it seems both teams have interest in one NFL Draft prospect: George Pickens. The Georgia standout is apparently scheduled to meet with the Chiefs Wednesday before heading to Green Bay for a meeting with the Packers on Thursday.

As Fowler noted, Pickens is confident he is the best wideout in the class because he is a “big target that can run 4.4”–meaning he “can do” what other receivers can along with having size.

That many talented WRs are 5-11 or 6-0 but “when you can do all those things (at 6-3) it’s a no-brainer.”

Pickens says he takes pride in blocking, comes from pro-style system at UGA and closely studies the greats such as Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 6, 2022

George Pickens is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round selection. Had it not been for a torn ACL in March 2021, he could be a lock in the conversation as a first-round pick. However, there is no doubt he has traits to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL–which is why the Packers and Chiefs have interest in him.

At 6-foot-3, he possesses the deadly combination of size and speed that can make life hard for any defender. That also means he is a fine target for top QBs like Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes or Packers vet Aaron Rodgers.

After tearing his ACL, he still made a return in the season and recorded five receptions for 107 yards in four games. It is interesting to note that he did made a 52-yard reception in their national title game win over the Crimson Tide. Moreover, when he was fully healthy during his second year at Georgia, he made 36 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns.

During the NFL Combine, he showed that he has fully recovered from his injury, running 4.47 on his 40-yard dash.

It remains to be seen if the Packers and Chiefs will select Pickens in the NFL Draft and in which round since they have other needs to address. Green Bay has two picks in the first round at no. 22 and 28, while the Chiefs have the 30th pick as well as the no. 50 overall.