Georgia WR George Pickens speaks out, brings ‘first-round mentality’ to NFL Combine

March 02, 2022 at 4:33 pm EST

George Pickens Georgia wide receiver George Pickens (1)\r\rGeorgia vs. Alabama; CFP National Championship Game; Indianapolis, Ind.\r\r(Photo by Tony Walsh)

March 02, 2022 at 4:33 pm EST

INDIANAPOLIS — Georgia receiver George Pickens says he brought a “first-round mentality” to the NFL Combine this week, eager to show teams he’s back to 100 percent after tearing his ACL last March.

Already, Pickens said he feels like a pro because of the amount of talent his UGA program produced this season with 14 Bulldogs’ at the NFL Combine this year.

“We have NFL-type practices, we have NFL-type players,” Pickens said of Georgia football. “Half of the players on my team are already here. It’s almost like you’re in the league, already.”

Pickens certainly has the personality of a professional athlete, as he was confident and engaging throughout his interview. It made it all the more puzzling why Coach Kirby Smart restricted Pickens from talking with media last season and throughout most of his sophomore season.