FRISCO, Texas - Football season is getting closer and closer.
The Cowboys are set to depart for training camp in less a month. That's when we'll get the first up-close look at Brian Schottenheimer's first season with this revised roster and coaching staff. When we get to Oxnard, that's when we'll start to get some real answers about this 2025 Cowboys team.
But what are the questions? We've compiled our annual list of pressing questions that need answers heading into the regular season. The staff writers, consisting of Patrik Walker, Tommy Yarrish, Nick Eatman, Mickey Spagnola, Kyle Youmans and Kurt Daniels, weigh in on some of the pressing issues.
Today, the focus is on newly-acquired receiver George Pickens and what kind of impact he could make in his first season with the Cowboys.
4) Expectations for George Pickens' new role
Tommy: I said a few weeks ago that I think Pickens gets his first Pro Bowl this year, so that's how well I think he's going to do in the Cowboys offense. I think the expectation is that he and CeeDee Lamb mesh well enough together to propel Dallas' passing game to the next level, and with Pickens specifically, give them a better threat in the vertical game. Does that mean the expectation needs to be 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns? Not at all, Pickens' addition will be a success if he lightens the offensive load on CeeDee Lamb and makes plays when he needs to all over the field for the Cowboys. I think he does so well enough to get to the Pro Bowl.
Mickey: My expectations are really high, to the point wanting him to be like a co-No. 1 receiver with CeeDee Lamb. And why not. He's already been considered a No. 1 receiver with the Steelers, and no sense ever diminishing his role now with the Cowboys. Pickens will be highly motivated entering the final year of his rookie contract, knowing he can make big bucks next year with either the Cowboys or in free agency if he is productive in 2025. And after watching him during the offseason practices, he sure looks dynamic, and you can feel his deep speed. This will be one of the best one-two receiver punches for the Cowboys in years.
Kyle: This is a prove-it year for Pickens. With a new organization, a new offense, and an expiring rookie contract all serve as a motivation for the fourth-year receiver. He'll enter the year as the clear second pass catching option behind CeeDee Lamb on paper with the upside to become a number one option in certain situations.
When the Cowboys were surveying the wide receiver market this offseason, one of the questions they asked was 'could this receiver post a 150-yard game if Lamb is either shut down or out?' In the case of Pickens, the answer was yes. That's going to be the expectation.
Patrik: Yes. What? That is my answer to the question: yes, as in Pickens' role will be multi-faceted. So, if you are wondering if he'll be seen as a downfield threat? Yes. Or if he'll be viewed as a receiver who works underneath, at times, due to his ability to get separation? Yes. Will he work from the slot as well? Yes. Will he be a decoy for All-Pro and record-setting wideout CeeDee Lamb? Yes. Will he be asked to use his aggressive on-field demeanor to help block in the run game? Yes. By now, you're understanding what I'm getting at. The answer, from me, is simply "yes".
Nick: I think he's going to be every bit of the No. 2 receiver. I hope he can handle that - and that goes for just about every talented player that is the second guy. DeVonta Smith from the Eagles had 10 games last year in which he caught four passes or less. Jaylen Waddle had 12 games with four or less catches. Those are just two names that come to mind of talented players who aren't the top options for their teams. Some games they might go off and make huge plays but there could be others when they're not as involved. But my expectations is that he will do some kind of highlight-type of play at least every game and that alone will be enough to make a difference.
Kurt: Given that Pickens led the Steelers' passing attack in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons, I think the expectation for all of us is that he will be 1B to CeeDee Lamb's 1A on the Cowboys' wide receiving depth chart. Where he is really projected to make an impact, though, is on long passes. Dallas has been without a reliable deep threat for what feels like some time now, and that's where Pickens thrives. In 2024, he led the NFL in catches of at least 20 yards with 17 and was given a nearly perfect grade of 99.9 by Pro Football Focus on those types of plays. If he can help open up the offense and provide that same kind of production on deep passes with his new team, he will easily meet, if not surpass, all expectations.
