The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very good draft in 2022. The draft class was graded as a B+ by Pro Football Focus and was the best overall group in recent memory for the black and gold. The Steelers have a huge opportunity with the upcoming selections in 2023 to put together the foundation for a new Pittsburgh dynasty.
The Arthur Moats Experience With Deke Podcast YouTube
Steelers Arthur Moats and Partner Discuss Year 2 Jumps For Rookies
Arthur Moats and his partner Eric “Deke” Deklaven discussed the player from the 2022 class who was primed to take the biggest leap in 2023 on The Arthur Moats Experience with Deke. Moats played linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2014 to 2017 and offers unique insight without hyperbole during the popular program.
“You got George Pickens, aka GP,” Moats began. “I mean this dude here looks like he has all world written all over him. We are already seeing some of that potential, some of that productivity. We want to see even more of it.”
George Pickens has the potential to be the lead wide receiver in Pittsburgh for a long time. He is tall and deceptively fast, and he may already be the best combat catch receiver in the NFL. Pickens has sublime hands and he is a fierce competitor, who has demonstrated he is more than a willing blocker in the run game.
“I was kind of stuck, but I did end up going with George Pickens,” Moats said about which rookie would make the biggest leap. “I think for me, when I look at his talent, he looks different than any of the other players in our class right now. When I think of George Pickens, it’s kind of like bro where did you come from and how did you land in the second round?”
Pickens caught 52 passes for 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Those numbers are not quite as impressive as his fellow rookies Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave who both topped 1,000 yards as their offense’s clear number-one targets. However, both players had substantially more targets than Pickens and only tied him in touchdown catches.
Steelers Rookie Quarterback Kenny Pickett Locked In On Winning Games Not Personal Stats In 2023
Steelers.com
Kenny Pickett speaks to the press following the Steelers' win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Deklaven selected Kenny Pickett as his pick for the biggest leap and it seems one can’t happen without the other. Moats acknowledged that the rookie quarterback would likely improve, and his development was an important benchmark for the Steelers and crucial if they hope to return to the playoffs.
“When we talk Kenny (Pickett),” Moats observed. “I want Kenny to be dope but we think it’s going to be in a Joe Burrow type of way. We don’t look at Joe Burrow the same way we look at Patrick Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers as where did that person come from? When I think of Kenny growing, we know he is going to improve. I think of where George Pickens is already at, and I think what is that next step for you? That could get freaky.”
Pickett often draws comparisons to Joe Burrow because of his mobility, hand size, and similar arm strength. Burrow is very skilled but he has intangible qualities to his game that separate him from other quarterbacks. Pickett demonstrated some of those same intangibles, but Burrrow took his team to the Super Bowl in his second season and that is a tall order for the Steelers rookie.
Pickett has to climb a steep mountain in the AFC quarterback pecking order. The former Georgia Bulldog is likely to wrestle the number one wide receiver slot away from Diontae Johnson at the very least. Moats accurately observed that a modest leap from Pickens who has the ability to make head-scratching catches look routine could be a spectacular result.
Matt Freed/Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Kenny Pickett, a fellow rookie, in a 28-14 victory against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Jan. 8, 2023.
If the targets just balance from 147 for Johnson and 84 to Pickens last season to an even split of approximately 110 each, Pickens is likely to jump 25-30 catches and 300-400 yards. If his second season involves 75 catches, 1,200 yards, and 8-10 touchdowns he will establish himself as one of the top five wide receivers in the AFC. Pickett could make a substantial year two leap but in the loaded AFC, it might be too much to think he could climb into the top five quarterbacks in the AFC.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Do you agree with Moats that Pickens has the ability to become spectacular next season? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
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