Zaccheaus L. Pickens (born March 6, 2000) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Pickens has also played for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs.
Early life Pickens was born on March 6, 2000, in Anderson, South Carolina. He attended T. L. Hanna High School, where he was named South Carolina's Gatorade Football Player of the Year as a senior in 2018 after recording 87 tackles, six sacks, and an interception which he returned for a touchdown. (subscription required) A five-star recruit, Pickens was selected to play in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game. He committed to the University of South Carolina to play college football.
College career As a true freshman at South Carolina in 2019, Pickens played in all 12 games and had 16 tackles. As a sophomore in 2020, he started seven of 10 games, recording 35 tackles and one sack. As a junior in 2021, he started all 13 games, finishing with 38 tackles and four sacks. (subscription required) Pickens returned to South Carolina for his senior season in 2022. (subscription required)
Professional career
Chicago Bears Pickens was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (64th overall) in the 2023 NFL draft.
On August 26, 2025, Pickens was waived by the Bears as part of final roster cuts.
Kansas City Chiefs On August 29, 2025, Pickens was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 17.
On May 4, 2026, Pickens was waived by the Chiefs.
New York Giants On May 5, 2026, Pickens was claimed off of waivers by the New York Giants. On August 30, 2026, Pickens was waived.
Atlanta Falcons On September 9, 2026, Pickens signed with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.
References
External links
Atlanta Falcons bio South Carolina Gamecocks bio