From a purely football perspective, George Pickens is a phenomenal talent, ranking among the league’s best, according to one analyst. Now, after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens enters a new chapter with high expectations and a bigger spotlight. As debate swirls around his potential impact, one former NFL quarterback cuts through the noise, focusing not on drama or chemistry but on raw talent.
George Pickens’ Talent Sets Him Among Elite, Proclaims Former NFL QB
As the top story of the day, Pickens’ trade to Dallas draws comments from all corners of sports media. Kurt Benkert is no exception. The former NFL quarterback offered a take that seems divorced from the chemistry aspect, focusing on talent, which is why teams want players like Pickens.
Spending five total seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers allowed the University of Virginia product to see the game from up close. As a result, he provides a unique perspective when discussing wideout talent. Benkert offered this assessment in regard to the newest member of the Dallas Cowboys.
Reminder that George Pickens is 24 years old. Talent wise he could be in the same conversation as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase if he had played the beginning of his career in an offense like those guys.
George Pickens might have the best hands in the league. pic.twitter.com/B27c0AdeNS
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert)
“Reminder that George Pickens is 24 years old. Talent-wise, he could be in the same conversation as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase if he had played the beginning of his career in an offense like those guys. George Pickens might have the best hands in the league.”
Granted, no one questions Pickens’ abilities. With excellent leaping ability and body control, he uses his hands last, as the final part of the process. He makes the tough catches seem routine. At the same time, he will drop the ball more than you’d like from someone considered elite. Still, 11 drops do not seem like an inordinate amount. Yet, six of those arrived during the 2024 season.
The facts substantiate Benkert’s initial opinion. Ja’Marr Chase averaged four seasons and dropped 36 targets, while Justin Jefferson didn’t catch 20 passes. Additionally, the quarterback play does strongly figure into the assessment. Jefferson played with the steady Kirk Cousins and improved Sam Darnold. Chase snags passes from Joe Burrow, a perennial MVP candidate.
Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, and late-career Russell Wilson threw the ball to Pickens. The revolving door and lack of stability greatly affect timing and disturb the establishment of rhythm. Lastly, being 24 at the time of season kickoff means that the current version of Pickens is not yet anywhere near his prime.
Without question, Dak Prescott is already the best quarterback that Pickens will play with. With no real competition to push him for his spot, Prescott can use him as a solid number two and big-play threat. Now, Pickens doesn’t need to shoulder the receiving burden.
With CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert serving as the third wideout, he can just relax and play the game. In retrospect, Kurt Benkert’s tweet looks like the soundest assessment of the young but volatile wide receiver.
