Steelers' Zach Azzanni Praises George Pickens For Insane Potential

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expecting George Pickens to mature and take over as the leader of the wide receiver group in 2024. After the team traded Diontae Johnson away, Pickens was left as the longest-tenured receiver on the team, along with Calvin Austin III. While the organization did sign some veterans to add depth to the receiver position, Pickens will be the main target in the passing game. This is his time to prove that he can be more than just a highlight catch receiver, and someone the franchise can depend on throughout the course of the season.

Pickens' newest coach, Zach Azzanni, sees the sky-high potential that he truly has, as reported by Mike DeFabo. During a recent sideline interview at Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Azzanni talked about how the whole football world should be able to see what he sees with Pickens.

"He can be [a true number-one receiver], it's right there for him. He's just got to pick it up, take the cheese, and do the things we ask him to do. He can do anything he wants, he's that talented. I think you guys all know that Ray Charles can see that; you don't need to be a coach."

Pickens has shown off his insane talent repeatedly, but he has not been as consistent as the team had hoped for, and he has allegedly been a problem in the locker room at times. 2024 will be the year that decides Pickens' future. Does he gain enough consistency and maturity to earn another contract, or will the Steelers draft his replacement in 2025? 

Obviously, there is still a lot for Pickens to work on, but Steeler Nation has watched highlight reels of him taking over games and making defenders look bad, including his own teammates. He is one of the most talented receivers in the entire league. Azzanni is known for being hard on his players, so Pickens will have to step up his game to satisfy him. 

What Can Steelers Expect From Pickens At His Best?

When Pickens is playing his best football, he can completely take over a game. In Week 5 of 2023, he hauled in six passes for 130 yards, including the go-ahead 41-yard touchdown catch to defeat the Baltimore Ravens. Even with the defense taking over and Miles Killebrew blocking a punt, they don't win that game without Pickens "mossing" his defenders repeatedly. 

When Mason Rudolph took over as quarterback last season, Pickens had back-to-back monster games. In Weeks 16 and 17, he combined for 11 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns. He even showed his maturity in Week 18 when he didn't whine about not getting a single target in a must-win game. Now that Pickens has shown how mature he can truly be, Azzanni and the Steelers will expect that kind of mindset for the 2024 season. 

The primary receivers behind Pickens will most likely be a veteran journeyman receiver, Van Jefferson, as well as a third-round rookie, Roman Wilson. Not only will Pickens have to help carry them throughout the season, but he will have to be a leader for them and show them how to be a true Steelers receiver. It may be a lot to ask for a receiver still on his rookie contract, but it's what the Steelers will ask him to do. 

Pickens will need more than a few monster games if he wants to keep his spot as the top receiver on the team. He will need fewer games with zero catches, and more consistent production. Even if he doesn't get targeted or he has a bad game, he will have to find more ways to be productive, like blocking and helping out the other receivers. Azzanni can see Pickens doing that, and he thinks everyone else should too.

What do you think about Azzanni praising Pickens and his endless talent? How will he develop in 2024? Let us know in the comments.

#SteelerNation