Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens is expected to have a big second season in the NFL. Around the league, several people have tabbed him as a breakout star at the wideout position. Wide receivers coach, Frisman Jackson fully expects Pickens to take that step forward in 2023, stating that it would be a "failure" if he doesn't. The second-year pass catcher doesn’t lack in the confidence department either.
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Steelers wide receiver George Pickens goes up to make a catch in warmup before facing the New Orleans Saints on November 13, 2022.
In an interview with Kevin Clark of The Ringer, Pickens proclaimed that he’s the best receiver in the NFL already. Yeah we know, the last time we heard that from a Steelers playmaker, things didn't go well. Of course, that's a reference to Chase Claypool, who touted himself as a top-three NFL WR in 2022. He was traded to the Chicago Bears shortly thereafter, and things haven't gotten much better for him in the Windy City. Pickens stated his case as to why he's the best.
“[I'm the best] receiver in the world. I’m not going to lie to you. If you want a receiver, you create a player, it’s ‘Oh, I’m gonna put his blocking 99, catching 99, speed 99.’ That’s me. Anybody else, it’s almost like 85s, but they’ve got [Aaron Rodgers] as their quarterback; 90 but he’s got the old [New England] Patriots [offense]. As far as what you’d use to build a receiver, I’m the ideal guy.”
To be clear, this wasn't at all a shot toward quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Unfortunately for Pickens, the makers of Madden 24 don't exactly agree. On the latest rendition of the football video game, the second-year WR was given an 80 overall. For context, that's just behind his teammate, Diontae Johnson (82). Even worse, he's tied-for-48th amongst wide receivers, as he sits behind some questionable names. You bet that will be yet another motivating factor for him in 2023.
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The duo of Steelers offensive sophomores Kenny Pickett and George Pickens is expected to take a big step together in 2023.
In his rookie season, the University of Georgia product excelled on deep balls. In 17 games, which included 12 starts, Pickens averaged 15.4 yards per catch, eighth-best in the NFL. He ended up with 801 yards, which was fourth-most amongst rookies. While he still has plenty of room for improvement, he provided plenty of jaw-dropping moments in his first year.
What Is The Steelers WR's Ceiling?
Pickens has drawn comparisons to fellow NFL wideout, DeAndre Hopkins, who recently signed with the Tennessee Titans. The comparison makes sense as, like Hopkins, the Steelers wideout excels in contested situations. Neither of them rely on speed or route running to make catches, either. It’s not Hopkins that Pickens tries to emulate his game after though. Rather, it’s A.J. Green of the Arizona Cardinals, who is set to enter his 12th NFL season.
Green is most well-known for his days with the Cincinnati Bengals of course, where he spent his first nine NFL seasons. Like Pickens, he went to Georgia for his college days, and the Bengals took him with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Green made the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons, but hasn't made it back since. Across 16 games against the Steelers, Green has 1,218 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. The Steelers host the Cardinals in Week 13 of the 2023 campaign, which means they will face a former rival in Green.
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Former Bengals WR AJ Green had several tough battles against the Steelers, as he has four career 100-yard games against his former rival.
He doesn't have bad game to emulate yours after. If Pickens ends up being even close to the player that Green was, Pittsburgh fans should take that as a success. By many, Pickens was regarded as the most talented wideout in the 2022 NFL Draft. He ended up falling to the 52nd overall pick. Teams were worried about his health following a torn ACL in 2021 as well as his "character issues off the field", something that still doesn't sit right with him. He clearly has the confidence and he has the motivation to be great as well.
What are your predictions for Pickens and his second NFL season? Will he take a step forward to become one of the games best? What are you looking forward to seeing from his game? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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