Zacch Pickens 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Played fullback in addition to defensive line in high school. Had 889 yards as a senior. 

• Named South Carolina’s Mr. Football as a senior
• Five-star recruit 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Multiple
• 2022 projected role: Starting DT

Pros: Zacch Pickens offers an appealing blend of mass, length, and quickness that leads to some exciting flashes when he’s able to shoot gaps and play on the other side of the line of scrimmage. That foundation of traits serves as a strong starting point to develop his pass-rushing skill set which is the best part of his game right now. Pickens generally competes with good effort and showcases likable urgency in pursuit. Pickens doesn’t get enough chances to serve as a penetration-style player at South Carolina so there is a case to be made for him not being used to his strengths, opening the door for him to make a greater impact at the next level. From a physical traits standpoint, it appears that he has everything necessary to become an impact defender. 

Cons: Zacch Pickens must improve his play speed. It appears that he is calculated on the field which takes away from his physical gifts and ability to make plays. Pickens needs to be more intentional about playing with more consistent leverage to better control his gap and stay in his run fit. There are too many instances of Pickens being rooted out of his gap because he plays tall—adding more functional strength would also help. I want to see Pickens rush more consistently with a plan and develop a go-to move. Simply put, he doesn’t maximize his physical gifts because of his inconsistent play speed, leverage, and technique. There is a greater level of assertiveness that he can achieve to more often be the aggressor on reps and dictate the action instead of being so reactionary.

Zacch Pickens NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino