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George Pickens Could Be Cowboys' New Bob Hayes originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When in doubt in the 1960-70s, the Dallas Cowboys told Bob Hayes simply to "go long." They have a similar weapon in 2025 with newly acquired George Pickens.
Hayes obviously benefitted with world-class speed that won him a gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and allowed him to lead the NFL twice in touchdowns and twice in yards per catch including a staggering 26.1 in 1970.
Pickens, acquired in a trade last month, doesn't possess Hayes' blinding speed. But he has proven to be one of the league's best deep threats.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pickens was the highest-graded receiver on go routes last season with a 95.6 mark, just edging out the Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin and the Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb.
Not only did Pickens lead the league with 19 deep routes, but his 26% target clip was the highest on his route tree.
"He was the only receiver to record double-digit catches from go routes, securing 10 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown," PFF writes. "Pickens logged 36% of his receiving yardage (987 yards) on go routes last season, with each catch gaining 20-plus yards."
Over the last three seasons, Pickens leads the NFL with 48 go-route targets and 23 catches for 822 yards and three touchdowns.
While Hayes used his raw speed, Pickens' makes downfield catches using his size, athleticism, body control and elite hand-eye coordination.
The deep ball from Dak Prescott should be back in the playbook for the Cowboys this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
When in doubt in the 1960-70s, the Dallas Cowboys told Bob Hayes simply to "go long." They have a similar weapon in 2025 with newly acquired George Pickens.
Hayes obviously benefitted with world-class speed that won him a gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and allowed him to lead the NFL twice in touchdowns and twice in yards per catch including a staggering 26.1 in 1970.
Pickens, acquired in a trade last month, doesn't possess Hayes' blinding speed. But he has proven to be one of the league's best deep threats.
According to Pro Football Focus, Pickens was the highest-graded receiver on go routes last season with a 95.6 mark, just edging out the Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin and the Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb.
Not only did Pickens lead the league with 19 deep routes, but his 26% target clip was the highest on his route tree.
"He was the only receiver to record double-digit catches from go routes, securing 10 passes for 352 yards and a touchdown," PFF writes. "Pickens logged 36% of his receiving yardage (987 yards) on go routes last season, with each catch gaining 20-plus yards."
Over the last three seasons, Pickens leads the NFL with 48 go-route targets and 23 catches for 822 yards and three touchdowns.
While Hayes used his raw speed, Pickens' makes downfield catches using his size, athleticism, body control and elite hand-eye coordination.
The deep ball from Dak Prescott should be back in the playbook for the Cowboys this season.
Related: Micah Parsons Gets Major Endorsement For Contract Extension
Related: Cowboys Starting Lineup Predicted After High-Energy Offseason
Related: Cowboys Starting Lineup Predicted After High-Energy Offseason
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...