Who Should I Start? George Pickens or Brian Thomas Jr.

Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 PM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he has been impressed with the early work of wide receiver George Pickens, especially in the meeting room. "I see a guy that's maturing," Schottenheimer said. The Cowboys made a splash this offseason by acquiring Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The 24-year-old is a nice upgrade at WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb in Dallas, and it's also a nice move for Pickens' fantasy value in 2025, as he'll be working with by far the best quarterback in his career in Dak Prescott. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia has had at least 801 yards receiving in his three NFL seasons but should have a chance for a career year in Dallas in 2025 in an offense that should be pass-happy under Schottenheimer.

Thursday, June 12, 6:09 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) went down with a shoulder injury earlier this week at mandatory minicamp and was held out of the rest of the practice for precautionary reasons. On Thursday, Thomas returned and looked perfectly OK while being a full participant, according to SI.com's John Shipley. The 22-year-old second-year wideout will be just fine for the start of training camp in late July and should be considered a strong low-end WR1 with plenty of upside going into Year 2. The former 23rd overall pick was a Pro Bowler in his rookie campaign after catching 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). Thomas shouldn't have anything to worry about as far as being quarterback Travis Lawrence's top target after the team took two-way player Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.