Steelers' Magnificent George Pickens Explains 1-Handed Grabs With A Familiar Tomlinism

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickens's college career with the Georgia Bulldogs was interrupted by an ACL injury that cost him most of his final season. Before the injury, he was considered a first-round prospect. Pickens fell to the Steelers and is developing a unique chemistry with Kenny Pickett that could boost that tandem into the upper echelon of the NFL.

Pickens is a unique young man who fits easily into the star role. The NFL got just a tiny sample of what he was capable of in 2022. He has freakishly strong hands that are paired with impeccable balance. He has made several seemingly impossible catches in his short career that he consistently downplays as routine grabs.

Steelers' George Pickens Not Buying Into 2023 Hype: "I'm Playing Madden Bro"

On Wednesday, Pickens addressed the media after practice. The second-year wide receiver has been selected as a prime breakout candidate in 2023. In typical Pickens fashion, he deflected and shared that he was too busy playing the EA Sports Madden 24 video game to get caught up in the hype.

Pickens smiled and shared that in his video game, he received 20 targets per game. It is doubtful that Matt Canada will call his number that often in 2023, but his target share in the offense will likely increase dramatically. Pickens shared his expectations of what he thinks his role will be in the offense this season.

“A prolific year,” Pickens told reporters. “Just making crazy catches, making regular catches. Running good routes, just an overall receiver. I felt like I was already there. I just want to boost to another level.”

Pickens was utilized as a deep threat early in the 2022 season. After Pickett was inserted into the lineup, the tandem began to click in the red zone. The duo connected for key touchdowns down the stretch to secure wins in a frantic playoff run. Pickens was asked about his penchant for spectacular one-handed catches and whether his coaches were on board with them.  

“In college, I was making one-hand catches, and Coach [Kirby] Smart would say use two hands,” Pickens replied. “Coach T [Mike Tomlin] just says routine plays, routinely. I want to show you guys something different. I let my play do the talking a lot.”

A college coach and a professional coach approach players differently. Kirby Smart was concerned with sound fundamental football that would help his young receiver have a better chance to help his team and Pickens at the next level. Once he arrived in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin quickly concluded that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. 

The Steelers offense is supposed to be built around a power-running attack in 2023. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and an improved offensive line with rookie Darnell Washington at tight end were built to run the football effectively while taking critical shots down the field to loosen up defenses. Pickens and Pickett have demonstrated that they have taken a significant step forward this offseason. 

The addition of Allen Robinson and the return of Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth gives the Steelers significant options in the passing game that should allow them to compete when games devolve into shootouts. As good as the Steelers defense is projected to be this season, games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals have the potential to turn into high-scoring affairs. That is not a scenario the Steelers should fear with a vastly improved passing attack set to feature Pickens. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you believe Pickens and Pickett have even more to show the NFL in 2023? Please comment below or on my Twitter / X: @thebubbasq. 

#SteelerNation