Three Georgia Bulldogs have been predicted to the NFL’s All-Rookie team for the 2023 season by NFL.com: Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker.
One of Georgia’s most prolific receivers over the last three years, George Pickens was drafted No. 52 overall by the Steelers this spring. Pickens caught 90 passes for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career for the Bulldogs.
“In his final draft before retiring as the Steelers’ general manager, Kevin Colbert once again landed a bargain receiver in the second round. Pickens is already impressing, showing off his skills during OTAs. Expect whoever lines up at quarterback for Pittsburgh to regularly lean on his speed and strong hands to make big plays downfield.”
The Bills got one of the most versatile running backs UGA has seen when it took James Cook with the No. 63 overall pick. Whether it’s from the backfield or line up outside, Cook can find a way to impact the game. The brother of Minnesota Vikings running back, Cook had his best season during the championship run. Cook gained over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns in four years in Athens.
“Buffalo selected a running back in the third round of the draft in 2019 and 2020 (Devin Singletary, ‘19; Zack Moss, ‘20), but I thought they would have interest in Cook late in the second round this year because of his all-purpose value. Expect Cook to approach 1,500 total yards from scrimmage in 2022, taking handoffs when he isn’t catching the ball out of the backfield or from the slot. “
The Packers chose Quay Walker with their first pick of the draft at No. 22 overall in an unexpected move. While Walker may not have been the first linebacker tabbed to be taken, his talent and athletic ability is unquestioned. Walker was one of the top performers at the NFL combine. Walker recorded 137 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and 3 pass breakups over four seasons in Athens.
