Pickens is loving life in Oxnard, but it is his mindset to practice that has caught our attention.
Training camp was always going to be an interesting watch for Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens.
With his contract sorted, it's all about football for No. 3, and in Oxnard, he's been the menace we have known him to be.
Regularly making plays against Christian Parker's defense, and even some superb catches against Shavon Revel Jr. that he had no business making, it looks like Pickens is in midseason form already.
Granted, it is his second year in Brian Schottenheimer's offense, and he's gotten another offseason to build chemistry with Dak Prescott and others on offense, so it is really no surprise to see George doing his thing to a high level early in camp.
But how does he feel he's going in Oxnard?
"Pretty good," Pickens said. "I kind of always say take one day at a time. Kind of grab a lot of other guys who think they're not having such a good day. But for me personally, anytime I can be really around the guys or the team, I feel like I'm having a good day, whether I catch 100 balls or I catch none."
Pickens' mentality is key here, and it perhaps points to the culture that Schottenheimer is building.
As long as George is around his teammates, he's golden, and it doesn't matter if he catches one ball or seven in a practice; he's in a great mental state.
With his future sorted for 2026, Pickens can now focus on being the best version of himself so that when it does come time to sit down at the negotiating table with the Cowboys or whoever, he's got a strong case to make.
And playing to a high level is the easiest way Pickens can do that, but it begins in camp.
Building a great foundation, while also improving on what he produced last season, in theory, could see Pickens be even more threatening in the passing game.
But while his talents stand out, it's the mentality for me. The culture and brotherhood that Schottenheimer and his staff are creating have Pickens in the best place possible above the shoulders.
And that's half the battle, and a free and happy Pickens is a nightmare for the rest of the NFL.
