Steelers' Levi Wallace Is Absolutely On Board The Now Full Speed George Pickens 2023 Hype Train

The Pittsburgh Steelers secondary seems like it has been in transition since Ike Taylor retired after the 2014 season. Joe Haden did a fine job for the Steelers from 2017 to 2021, but unfortunately, he did not enjoy the feeling of a playoff victory. Pittsburgh has drafted defensive backs and turned to free agency to cement the secondary with varied results for what is now approaching a decade.

Levi Wallace began his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2018 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Alabama. Wallace walked on at Alabama and earned a scholarship in his junior season. He became a starter in his senior season, ending with a National Championship victory against the University of Georgia. Wallace worked his way into a significant role with the Bills defense and became a free agent after the 2021 season.

Wallace joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller, who were on location at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, for the penultimate day of training camp. After discussing Wallace’s health and the pros and cons of ingesting large portions of Taco Bell, the focus turned to Ryan Clark's observation about George Pickens's talent versus Justin Jefferson.  Andrew Fillipponi asked Wallace for his thoughts on Pickens already being tabbed as an all-time great wide receiver at ESPN.

“GP has a huge catch radius. We are happy he is on our team for sure,” Wallace said. “He definitely has the talent for it. Just being with a guy that has that crazy catch radius. I’ve never been a part of or had a teammate that can do the things he does. He is so long, I feel like the ball is never too far. Even when you think you have him, he tips it to himself and catches it with one hand.”

In 2022, Wallace was signed as a free agent by Pittsburgh. Wallace was precisely the kind of player the Steelers like to target in free agency. An ascending, undervalued asset that looks like a bargain when it pans out and does not hamstring the team when it doesn’t. Wallace got an early dose of what the then-rookie wide receiver could do in their first training camp in Pittsburgh. 

Former Steelers Safety Ryan Clark Drops A Bombshell With George Pickens And Justin Jefferson Comparison

Clark's assessment of Pickens's talent versus Jefferson's has become a hot topic on social media. Clark is not opposed to dropping a hot take; it is part of his job on ESPN's NFL Live. He was not afraid to criticize Ben Roethlisberger as washed-up in 2021. Last season, he called out Mike Tomlin for not having the team be prepared to play against the Bills. The shoe is on the other foot with his latest observation, and Steeler Nation can enjoy some of the apoplectic reactions for a change. 

National sports talk shows look for opinions that cut through social media like a hot knife through butter. Pickens might have the best hands we have ever seen at the position. That doesn't make Jefferson less than; he is a great player too. Jefferson has excellent hands and is a master tactician as a route runner. Two things can be true, Pickens has more natural talent, and Jefferson is currently more accomplished. 

The Steelers need a big step forward from Kenny Pickett and Pickens. If they even come close to their potential as a combination in 2023, the Steelers could return to the playoffs and make some noise while there. The San Francisco 49ers will get the first crack at the dynamic duo in less than a month. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you all aboard the Pickens hype train? Let me know what you think. Please comment below or on my TwitterX: @thebubbasq. 

#SteelerNation