Zacch Pickens
DL, South Carolina · 2023 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #64 (CHI)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: availability. Details below.
The 2023 class is only 3 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Availability
Played 29 of ~51 possible regular-season games from 2023 through 2025 (~57%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #65 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#64).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
South Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.89 40-yard dash at 291 lbs: faster than 53% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DL (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 29 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 3 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 3.0 |
| Defense | 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2025 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2023 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2023 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 291 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.89 s |
| Bench press | 22 reps |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 116" |
| 3-cone | 7.45 s |
| Shuttle | 4.62 s |
| Arm / hand | 34.38" / 10.38" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #65 overall (#6 DL) |
Picked around him 2023 redraft
| 61 | Brenton Strange | redraft #84 |
| 62 | Juice Scruggs | redraft #91 |
| 63 | Marvin Mims | redraft #67 |
| 65 | Tyler Steen | redraft #70 |
| 66 | Sydney Brown | redraft #121 |
| 67 | Drew Sanders | redraft #188 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.