Steelers' Kenny Pickett Says Sensational George Pickens is "A Hall Of Fame Type Talent"

Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett knows just how lucky he is to have a talent like George Pickens on the roster. The second-year receiver has the crazy athletic ability to make acrobatic catches like he did as a rookie against the Cleveland Browns, and he certainly doesn't lack confidence. Pickens is going to be a monumental part of the Steelers offense moving forward, and Pickett is happy that he can be a part of the budding superstar's journey. 

Pickett joined The QB Room podcast with former NFL journeyman signal-caller Jordan Palmer and Buffalo Bills backup Kyle Allen to talk about the season so far. They broke down a couple of key plays from Pittsburgh's 2023 game against the Las Vegas Raiders and Palmer said he's known Pickens since he was in high school. He asked for Pickett's assessment of the Georgia Bulldogs product. 

"He could be a Hall of Fame type talent," he said. "The things you can’t teach, he does naturally. The world doesn’t see what he does in practice all the time. He’s a special player." 

Pickett said that part of what makes Pickens such a great receiver to play with is his recognition of coverages. Pickett said Pickens understands when he's trying to get him the ball and always has a great breakdown when they meet up on the sidelines. 

"He knows when he's getting doubled," Pickett said. "He comes back and tells me exactly what he sees and I go look on the iPad and that’s exactly what happened. This isn't always the case with receivers that think they're open. George gets it."

With last year's top target, Diontae Johnson, still working his way back from a hamstring injury, Pickett is confident in Pickens assuming the number-one receiver mantle. He said that because opposing defenses will be keying in on Pickens more, Pittsburgh needs to move him around and find different ways to get him the ball. 

Pickens told Rich Eisen in the offseason that he and his quarterback have started developing a special relationship that often involves going to dinner, but not to any movies. When Palmer asked about any weird quirks that Pickett had noticed about Pickens, he said he's got all kinds of quirky food and sauce combinations. He specifically remembered the young pass catcher mixing some Buffalo sauce with something else to put on his steak at training camp. 

Pickett added that Pickens often sports University of Pittsburgh-colored blue cleats in practice, which Pickett respects as an alum. He added Pickens tosses in some Georgia-red colored laces, but his favorite part of his gear set up is the visor. 

Steelers' Pickett Appreciative Of Pickens' Flying Block Attempt Against The Raiders

With 4:02 left in the first half against Las Vegas, Pickett took off on a scramble and darted down the field, gaining 27 yards. Unfortunately, the play was called back on an illegal shift penalty called on Pickens, but there was a block attempt by the wideout with his quarterback streaking down the sideline that stood out. 

While trying to protect his quarterback from an oncoming tackler, Pickens launched himself into the air and the pursuing Raiders defender. Pickett said he appreciated the effort from his receiver to try and help him pick up some additional yards on the scramble that was unfortunately wiped out. 

Pickett said he always tries to throw a block for his receivers when the team runs any jet sweeps or reverse concepts. He was happy to see Pickens try to repay him and added that if he can ever get out ahead of Pickens, he'll be trying to throw a block.

Whether they're connecting for a long touchdown as they did against the Browns in Week 2, or one blocking for the other, Pickett and Pickens are the future. Let's just hope Pickens cleans up his blocking technique a little bit.

Do you agree with Pickett's assessment of Pickens? What did you think of the flying block? Comment below!

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