The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Zacch Pickens 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Lineman
School: South Carolina
Size: 6-foot-4, 291 pounds
Class: Senior
2022 Stats: 42 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery
Pickens had a few good seasons for the South Carolina Gamecocks on the defensive line. Now he is in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a five-star recruit out of South Carolina, Pickens decided to stay in the state to play for the Gamecocks. He was a Freshman All-SEC selection with 16 total tackles. In his second season, Pickens had 35 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks struggled with a 2-8 record. The following season, Pickens tallied 38 tackles, five tackles for loss and four sacks. His play helped South Carolina go 7-6. For the 2022 season, Pickens had 42 total tackles, four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He led the Gamecocks to an 8-5 record.
After opting out of the Gator Bowl, Pickens declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Pickens has solid measurables for an interior defensive lineman. He stands 6-foot-4 and 291 pounds. He should work on adding strength to fill out his frame. With his size, he also has good arm length at 34 3/8 inches. His length helps him shed blocks.
He has great athleticism on the interior. Pickens shows good quickness at the snap of the ball and makes offensive linemen react to him. He has good agility and actually shows that he can slip right past blockers because of it. Pickens also has good flexibility and can bend to win.
His ability to shed blocks quickly and then gets in position to make the play against the pass and run. He uses his length and hand fighting to defeat offensive linemen. With added strength, he could become elite at shedding blocks at the next level.
Pickens can continue to work on adding strength to his game. It will fill out his frame, but it will also help him anchor in place. With the strength he could shed better and struggle less with powerful offensive linemen.
He can add more pass-rush moves to his game to get more sack production. Pickens uses his long arms and athleticism to win as a pass rusher, but opportunities are left on the table because he doesn’t have moves and counters to win.
While he already doesn’t have great power, Pickens makes things worse by elevating his pad level. He stands too upright and ends up losing his power. If he stays low, he would have a better chance of retaining his power.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Third-Round Pick
Make sure to check out our NFL Draft page for more content like Zacch Pickens 2023 NFL Draft Profile!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
