ESPN Analyst Names Steelers' George Pickens As 2023 Breakout Star, Expects New Level Of Success

Prior to the 2022 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren't expected to pursue the University of Georgia wide receiver, George Pickens. Pickens was coming off of an impressive college career which was clouded over by a torn ACL. Incredibly, the receiver fully recovered from his March 2021 injury just nine months later in November. Unfortunately for Pickens, but luckily for the Steelers, this injury had lowered his draft stock. Come night two of the draft, the Steelers were given the perfect opportunity to select the receiver with the 52nd overall pick. 

Pickens began to stand out right off the bat at training camp, making incredible catches and winning over the hearts of Yinzers who had made the commute to Saint Vincent College. Despite a slow start to the 2022 season, the receiver broke headlines when he made an unbelievable contested catch against the Cleveland Browns during a Week 3 contest. Come Kenny Pickett's NFL debut just one week later against the New York Jets, Pickens was able to put together his first 100-yard plus game. 

Although Pickett and Pickens had the foundations of a strong connection, the Steelers didn't begin to fully gel offensively until the season was coming to a close. On Christmas Eve against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pickens caught the game-winning touchdown from Pickett with :47 seconds left in the game. Though the duo put together an impressive rookie season, their full potential has yet to be unlocked.

Heading into his sophomore season, the expectations are high for Pickens. Thursday, ESPN Analyst Bill Barnwell named Pickens as a likely breakout star in 2023.

"Nobody had it harder in 2022 than George Pickens. He had the lowest expected catch rate of any receiver in football. If he has easier throws to catch in 2023, it could unlock a new level from a possible star receiver."

An important element of Pickens' progression is how his quarterback performs in his second season. Pickett has been commended for his work ethic and leadership during the offseason. Mike Tomlin expects a significant jump from the young quarterback during his sophomore season. The pressure is high, but Pickett was made for it. He has all of the confidence in the world in himself and in Pickens heading into year two. In May, the quarterback took to 93.7 The Fan to speak on the receiver. 

"He goes out there and does exactly what we ask him to do and then you just let his talents take over. You don't want to have him overthinking. I always just tell him I'll put it in his zip code and he's going to do the rest. The guy makes unbelievable plays. Excited to go into year two with him and build off of what we did in year one together."

The Steelers' Receiving Room Was Under Major Construction

Unlike divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers had an easy offseason in terms of receivers. Following the 2021 season, the Steelers nearly cleared house as they let go of noteworthy receivers in JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ray-Ray McCloud and James Washington. Just months later, the black and gold opted to let Chase Claypool walk. Now with Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Calvin Austin III and newcomer Allen Robinson II, the Steelers are in good shape for 2023.

This offseason, Pickett gathered the group of receivers to put in extra work and continue to build a connection. While Pickens and Johnson joined Pickett in Florida in late February, Robinson and Pickett were spotted in New Jersey just days ago. 

The future is bright for the young offense. With the Pickett to Pickens connection only getting stronger, it should make for an exciting 2023 season. What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Is Pickens destined for a breakout year? Comment below!

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