12/04/2025
DK Metcalf was a second-round draft pick known for elite athleticism despite modest college production, while George Pickens was also a second-round pick whose stock was impacted by injury and off-field concerns. Metcalf has achieved greater career consistency, but Pickens is having a strong 2025 season.
Draft History and College Career
Statistic DK Metcalf George Pickens
Draft Year 2019 (2nd Round, 64th overall) 2022 (2nd Round, 52nd overall)
College Ole Miss (Mississippi) Georgia
Key College Stat 39 receptions, 646 yards, 6 TD (best season) 49 receptions, 727 yards, 8 TD (freshman season)
Combine Highlight Ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at 6'3", 228 lbs Noted for excellent body control and catching in a crowd
Pre-Draft Narrative Elite athlete with raw route-running skills and injury concerns Five-star prospect whose stock fell due to an ACL injury and character concerns
Season and Career Stats Comparison (Through Week 12 of the 2025 NFL Season)
Statistic DK Metcalf (PIT) George Pickens (DAL)
Games Played (2025) 12 12
Receptions (2025) 45 73
Receiving Yards (2025) 605 1,142
Receiving Touchdowns (2025) 5 8
Career Receptions 438 197
Career Receiving Yards 6,324 4,005 (approx)
Career Touchdowns 48 18 (approx)
Analysis
Draft and Athleticism: Both players were second-round picks. Metcalf was drafted largely on his generational athletic testing (size and speed), while Pickens was valued for his natural receiving ability despite concerns about a major college injury and consistency.
Production: Metcalf has had more career success and consistency, including three 1,000-yard seasons and never fewer than five touchdowns in a season prior to 2025. Pickens has been a potent deep threat, and in the current 2025 season, he is outproducing Metcalf in yardage and receptions, having a breakout year in Dallas after being traded from Pittsburgh.
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