Steelers' George Pickens Has No Limit In 2024: "Grow Into A Truly Dominant Alpha Receiver"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an impressive roster as the organization prepares for the 2024 season. Many changes have been made by General Manager Omar Khan and more tweaks will occur as the campaign approaches. Perhaps the biggest question mark on the depth chart is at receiver. It's the only position Pittsburgh clearly downgraded at, which happened when Diontae Johnson was traded away. Outside of George Pickens, it's unclear what kind of performances fans will see from the group.

Pickens is entering his third season, but it will be his first as the number one receiver for the Steelers. He had his best year in 2023, recording 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. Pickens is expected to take another leap in year three, which could put him into the conversation as one of the best wideouts in the league. 

Despite the obvious potential and new opportunity with Pickens, he is still underrated in the eyes of the national media. A recent article on Bleacher Report discussed Pickens being the most underrated receiver in the NFL and his expected jump in production for 2024.

"In fact, it shouldn't be all that shocking if Pickens winds up in the discussion as a top-10 wide receiver in the league if he takes the next step in his third season. Pickens is on pace for that kind of start to his career."

Pickens recorded nearly 400 more receiving yards in his second season, while playing on a struggling offense with bad quarterback play. He is now the unquestioned number one receiver in Pittsburgh, who gets to catch passes from Russell Wilson moving forward.

Pickens is getting an upgrade at quarterback, regardless of who starts the majority of the games for the Steelers. The third-year receiver will also be the beneficiary of a new offense. All factors that contribute towards a receivers success are heading in the right direction for Pickens.

"Pickens is a bit reliant on his deep ball ability right now. But there's room for him to expand his game and grow into a truly dominant alpha receiver. ESPN Analytics uses its player-tracking data to give receivers a score for their ability to get open, catch the ball and gain yards after the catch.It's a good way to look at what a receiver does independent of the quarterback. Pickens came in eighth, just behind Diontae Johnson and Keenan Allen as a 22-year-old second-year player. Expect Pickens to gain some respect in a revamped Pittsburgh offense."

Pickens has been criticized before for his route running ability, and Johnson was certainly the best route runner in Pittsburgh over the last couple of seasons. Pickens has gotten better at creating space, and can use his physical attributes to dominate defenders. 

Many are worried about the defensive attention Pickens will face in 2024 now that Johnson is with the Carolina Panthers, but Pickens had two of his best games when Johnson was hurt in 2023. With Johnson sidelined Pickens recorded 127 yards and 130 yards, which proves he can be the leading man in a receiver room.

Steelers Will Need To See Other Receivers Step Up