Pittsburgh Steelers second-year, wide receiver George Pickens isn't used to being on an offense that struggled the way the team did in 2022. The Steelers got off to a slow start after future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger retired at the end of the 2021 season. While they improved and picked up speed as the season went on, it did leave fans with more questions than answers.
NFL Media
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger greets Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The team brought in journeyman Mitch Trubisky and drafted Kenny Pickett out of Pitt. After the two battled it out with longtime backup Mason Rudolph in camp, Trubisky was pronounced the starter. However, after failing to develop any kind of consistent rhythm and after a string of losses, Trubisky was benched in favor of the then-rookie Pickett.
While Pickett did not take first-team reps during training camp, he did get to pair up with his fellow rookie, Pickens. The two bonded over being the new guys and developed good chemistry on the field. While Diontae Johnson had more receiving yards than Pickens, Pickens was the one who was scoring touchdowns. Johnson had 86 receptions for 882 yards and zero touchdowns, while Pickens had 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns. Pickens also had more long catches than Johnson, averaging 15.4 yards to his 10.3 yards.
Yinz want more George Pickens, Canada’s gonna give yinz more George Pickens.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 27, 2023
First 11-on-11 attempt of 2023 Steelers camp: Pickett inc to George Pickens, with a PBU by Patrick Peterson
Now that training camp has begun, everyone is anxious to see how the offense will shape up. Statistically, except for the touchdowns, Johnson has performed better than Pickens, he also has more experience. However, Johnson has struggled in the past with dropped balls and this coupled with Pickens' incredible ability to make contested catches makes Pickens the fan favorite.
Steelers' George Pickens Is Ready To Get Back To The Business Of Winning Championships
Pickens played college football for the University of Georgia. As a Bulldog, he made an immediate impact his freshman year. He led the team in receptions with 49, receiving yards with 727, and receiving touchdowns with eight. The following year, 2020, the season was shortened by COVID and he still had 36 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns.
Credit: Curtis Compton / Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WR George Pickens helped The University of Georgia win a National Championship
Unfortunately, before the 2021 season, he tore his ACL and missed most of the year. He could have sat out the final few games rather than risk reinjury, but he chose to play. He wanted to help his team win the College Football National Championship. He ended up having a critical 52-yard catch that helped Georgia seal the win.
When he announced he was declaring for the draft, there was a lot of talk about where he should be ranked, many believed he was a first-rounder. Others disagreed, no one disputed he had a lot of talent, but there were concerns over his knee. There was also some talk that Pickens might be a bit of a loose cannon or a hothead. However, the Steelers took a chance on Pickens and selected him in the second round. While it is still too soon to say with certainty, it seems possible they got the steal of the draft.
After a solid rookie season, and all of those crazy contested catches, it feels like the sky is the limit for Pickett to Pickens. The two worked out together during the offseason and have both talked about how excited they are to get started with the 2023 season.
John McCoy / Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers Allen Robinson feels excited about his opportunities with the Steelers.
Pickens has been bunked up with veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson at training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. While Robinson is new to the Steelers, he is a solid presence that can help provide some support for the younger guys. The Steelers offense is very young and Robinson, who will be 30 in August, realizes the role he has been cast into. Pickens is excited to get this season underway. He told reporters he is ready to get back to the business of winning.
"Pro Bowl, Super Bowl, 1,000 yards, most receptions, you know, the stuff I had in college."
On the first day of camp, there were several plays where Pickett attempted to get the ball into Pickens' hands, including one that was broken up by new Steeler, Patrick Peterson. Pickett did tell the media to expect big changes from the offense this year. He has been working on developing his game and they are all ready to show off.
"I just feel like that's more of an explosive hint like we're gonna take more shots this year, try to mix it up a little bit."
What do you think Pickens will do this year? Who do you think will be our most productive receiver? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
