Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens, has been a highly discussed figure during his first three seasons in Pittsburgh. Drafted in the second round as the 52nd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickens wasted no time making an impact in his rookie season. In just 48 games with the Steelers, Pickens has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His impressive 16.3-yard average per catch highlights his deep-threat ability and skill set as one of the most explosive receivers in the league.
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Steelers' George Pickens makes an incredible touchdown catch against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 season.
What stands out most about Pickens, however, is the immense talent he has shown despite playing in a lackluster offensive scheme and enduring inconsistent quarterback play throughout his career. Heading into the final season of his rookie contract in 2025, Pickens' future with the Steelers is up for debate. Some fans question whether he's mentally mature enough to become a true star in the league, while others believe he's been unfairly misunderstood and has the potential to evolve into one of the NFL’s top receivers.
One player who knows Pickens’ abilities well is Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. On Tuesday, Hamilton appeared on the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long, where he praised Pickens' dominance and shared his perspective on what makes the young wideout so special.
"He probably is the best in football right now at that," Hamilton said. "Honestly, he's probably the best fade-ball catcher in football, just based off that. He's 6-4, super athletic, got crazy body control. He doesn't move like anybody I've ever seen move on the football field. It's weird how he moves. It's kind of hard to tackle him just because his vision, the way he moves."
Hamilton’s praise for Pickens serves as a reminder of the wide receiver’s immense potential, and it’s clear that Pickens’ unique skill set has not gone unnoticed, even by rivals.
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Steelers wide receiver George Pickens makes a catch during a Week 5 game against the Baltimore Ravens in October of 2023.
Pickens' ability to dominate in one-on-one situations, particularly with fade routes, has been a major aspect of his game, and Hamilton’s comments only reinforce the belief that Pickens is among the best at what he does.
"I was watching Hard Knocks and Mike [Tomlin] said throwing him a fade is like throwing him a hitch," Hamilton said. "I'm like, honestly, he's not lying. Because he's going to draw the [pass interference], just because his hands are so late, you don't know when to swipe or you can turn and look for the ball and he's going to dunk on you. He catches those fade balls. That was a big part of our game plan, just taking him out of the game. Super talented, good dude too."
Despite playing in a less-than-ideal offensive system for the first three years of his career, Pickens has managed to shine. His ability to consistently make plays downfield, coupled with his natural athleticism, has set him apart from many other wide receivers in the NFL. As the Steelers' offense continues to evolve under Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, Pickens could become an even more dangerous weapon, especially if Pittsburgh can finally get the quarterback play that matches his talents and some more talent to complement him in the wide receiver room.
The debate about Pickens’ future in Pittsburgh will only intensify as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract. His supporters believe that with the right coaching and development, he can become the cornerstone of the Steelers’ receiving corps for years to come.
On the other hand, his critics question his mental maturity and ability to handle the pressure of being the team’s number one receiver. Regardless of which side of the debate fans fall on, one thing is certain—Pickens has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could be a future star.
Steelers Face A Crucial Decision Regarding George Pickens
As the 2025 season approaches, the Steelers will face a crucial decision regarding Pickens’ long-term future with the team. If he continues to prove himself as one of the top wide receivers in the league, it’s likely that Pittsburgh will look to lock him up for the foreseeable future.
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Wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed catch for the Pittsburgh Steelers while Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. defends.
Until then, fans can only watch in anticipation, hoping that Pickens will continue to build on his early success and solidify his place as one of the NFL's most exciting young talents in the Steel City. If he doesn't control his emotions better, Pickens could be on his way out of town. The Steelers have a history of letting star wide receivers walk and some believe Pickens is next. Others are hopeful the Steelers can keep him part of their long term plans.
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