Zacch Pickens is one of the more interesting prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft class. He has great power for his size and will hold up well among his position group, and has a quick enough first step to cause some havoc consistently. The biggest question mark to Pickens game is his lack of suitable athleticism, which may hinder his ability to make plays in the backfield or be a real pass-rushing threat.
Zacch Pickens
DT – South Carolina Gamecocks
HT: 6025
WT: 305
Year: Super Junior
High School: TL Hanna (Anderson, SC)
Rating: 5-star (0.9946)
Projected Draft Grade: Immediate Rotational Contributor
Projection: 3rd/4th Round
Zacch Pickens scouting notes
Pros:
- Offers some lateral quickness, flashes the ability to use it to get into the backfield.
- Good upper body strength.
- Stout lower body. Generates a lot of power from his legs.
- Flashes the ability to get into the backfield quickly off of his first step and without warning.
- Fairly explosive athlete.
- Draws double teams often.
- Wins a good number of his double teams. Does a good job splitting them and causing problems with contain.
- Heavy hands. Very strong.
- Good tackler.
- Feels the play relatively well.
Cons:
- Not particularly quick or fast. Very average athlete overall.
- Don’t see a lot of good hand placement or usage of his hands at all. Very stagnant.
- Not great in pursuit. Won’t do much outside of his run gap.
- Lacks the athleticism to be a consistent pass rusher.
