Cowboys Predicted To Replace Pickens With 'Shifty' 11-TD First-Round Receiver

The Dallas Cowboys addressed a major need at wide receiver this offseason by trading for former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.

Pickens will line up alongside All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to form one of the league’s best wide receiver tandems heading into the season.

However, Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and with the Cowboys potentially unable to re-sign him next March, some media pundits have already begun speculating about possible replacements.

Of course, the ideal scenario is that Pickens plays out of his mind this season and leaves the Cowboys no choice but to extend his deal. ... and then everybody agrees to do it in a team-friendly way. (Sure.)

But just for fun and in case things don’t go as planned, who are some collegiate receivers Cowboys Nation should keep an eye on ahead of next year’s draft?

Jerry Trotta of The Landry Hat has identified an intriguing option in Clemson Tigers wide receiver Antonio Williams.

"While the 5-11 Williams doesn't have Pickens' size, he is among the cleanest route runners in the country," Trotta wrote. "He placed in the 94th percentile in separation rate against single coverage last season, per Pro Football Focus. The Tigers' star on the shifty side, but that didn't stop him from hauling in 58 percent of his contested targets in 2024. His ability to play outside and in the slot will allow the Cowboys to move CeeDee Lamb all around the line of scrimmage, which is when he's at his best."

Williams recorded 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He’s expected to be a first-round draft pick next spring, and his versatile skillset would be a welcomed addition on any NFL team.

However, before we go there? Let's give George Pickens a chance to at wearing The Star to see where that takes him.