George Pickens enters the 2025 fantasy football season in a new environment after spending his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens faces both enhanced offensive opportunities and tougher competition for targets, making his 2025 fantasy outlook a blend of promise and uncertainty.
Evaluating George Pickens as a Fantasy Draft Choice for 2025
Pickens’ transition to the Cowboys sets up a classic high-risk, high-reward scenario for fantasy managers. While he shifts from being the primary wide receiver on the Steelers to the number two target behind CeeDee Lamb, the improved passing offense in Dallas could boost his scoring potential. This new role means his floor may be lower than before, but his ceiling has the potential to rise significantly.
CeeDee Lamb is expected to remain Dak Prescott’s main receiving option this season. Pickens, however, adds a much-needed vertical threat and dependable secondary wide receiver presence that Dallas has lacked in recent years. His skill set fits well within this offense, giving him intriguing upside despite uncertainties about target volume in 2025.
Detailed Fantasy Projections for George Pickens in 2025
During his three seasons with Pittsburgh, Pickens averaged close to 100 targets and over 900 receiving yards annually. Whether he can replicate or surpass these levels with the Cowboys remains to be seen. Although Lamb will dominate target share, Pickens should receive a solid portion of opportunities given Dallas’ historical struggles to find a reliable WR2.
The Cowboys’ previous attempts at a dependable second receiver, such as Brandin Cooks, fell short of expectations, which adds to Pickens’ potential value. If he can establish himself as a trusted target for Prescott, particularly as a vertical threat in a prolific scoring offense, his fantasy value could rise sharply this season.
Risks and Rewards of Selecting George Pickens in Fantasy Drafts
Fantasy strategies often favor players with high upside, and few receivers at Pickens’ average draft position offer comparable potential. While moving into a dedicated WR2 role may reduce his overall floor compared to his Steelers days, his performance ceiling improves significantly playing alongside Dak Prescott.
Through three NFL seasons, Pickens has averaged finishes around the 35th-best wide receiver and surpassed 100 targets two times. With the Cowboys’ high-flying passing game, he stands poised to reach career-best performances, making him an appealing late-round pick for those seeking upside.
Ideal Draft Position and Comparisons for George Pickens in 2025
Currently, Pickens is ranked 63rd overall and 31st among wide receivers in 2025 fantasy drafts by Fantasy Pros. This projection positions him mostly as a WR3 option to be considered around the sixth round, though exact timing depends on league size and scoring rules.
Comparatively, Sportskeeda’s Who Should I Draft tool favors Pickens over other WR2s with similar draft values, such as Jaylen Waddle and Jordan Addison. While all three fill secondary receiving roles, Pickens’ potential fit in a more potent offense gives him an edge in fantasy appeal.