Steelers Legend Ryan Clark Doubles Down On Interesting George PIckens, Justin Jefferson Take; Fires Back At Critics

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have hit a home run by drafting wide receiver, George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After the franchise found its new quarterback in Kenny Pickett, Pickens was selected not too long after. The hope is that the duo can reach the heights that Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown did for a plethora of years. The second-year pass catcher will strive to top his rookie season in 2023 after he hauled in 52 catches for 801 yards and four touchdowns. He seems to be constantly on the radar as he makes spectacular catches and shows incredible potential.

Most recently, Pickens was thrown into a conversation that entailed former Steelers Super Bowl Champion safety and now-ESPN analyst, Ryan Clark, giving him a fantastic compliment. Clark noted on NFL Live that Pickens is a more talented wide receiver than All-Pro, Justin Jefferson, who is, arguably, the best at the position in the entire league right now.

Former Steelers Safety Ryan Clark Pleads His Case Even Further

It was met with extreme harsh right away. Jefferson is entering his fourth NFL season and has yet to have a year in which he didn't eclipse the 1,400 receiving yards mark. He has also caught 25 touchdown passes in just three seasons. It's nearly impossible to raise an argument for Pickens being better and even more talented, right? Maybe not. Clark defended his comments on Thursday night via X (formerly known as Twitter). He took it to a whole new level.

Clark seems to desperately be trying to make fans understand his reasoning, but bringing in two of the best quarterbacks of all time into the conversation is a bit of a stretch, even if he is just trying to get his point across.

Pickens has an incredibly high ceiling, but it's impossible for someone to expect him to match Jefferson's second and third-year numbers. While it could happen if the offense and Pickett make a big leap, Jefferson had over 1,800 receiving yards in 2022. To Clark's point, it's not just about the numbers, but Kirk Cousins isn't exactly a Hall of Fame signal-caller. Jefferson is the one making it happen because he's not just the best right now, but most talented too.

The Rodgers-Brady argument is a good point to make in theory, but comparing quarterbacks to wide receivers, and two first-ballot Hall of Famers to a couple of receivers who are both under the age 25, is only going to bring more criticism Clark's way. The comments rolled in rather quickly.

Pickens may end up overtaking Diontae Johnson for the Steelers number one receiver spot in 2023 and beyond, but he is not more talented right now or on the same planet as Jefferson. The Minnesota Vikings have a strong offensive game plan in place, but you could put Jefferson on any offense in the league and he would put up video game-like numbers.

Do you think Clark has any kind of argument? Is it right to compare the Brady and Rodgers discussion to his comments about Pickens and Jefferson? Let us know in the comments below!

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