George Pickens Can Be a “Top Guy in the League,” According to Steelers QB

After a strong rookie year, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett believe George Pickens can develop into one of the top receivers in the NFL.

Prior to Georgia’s 2021 national championship season, wide receiver George Pickens suffered a torn ACL that kept him out for the majority of the season. However, despite only totaling 5 total receptions for 107 yards in 4 games in 2021, Pickens’ talent was such that the Pittsburgh Steelers opted to select him with the No. 52 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. A year later, that talent has some around the league buzzing about Pickens’ ability to develop into a top-flight NFL receiver. 

Pittsburg Steelers WR George Pickens has a penchant for making the spectacular catch look routine. 

The former Georgia receiver impressed during his rookie season, catching a pass in all 17 of the Steelers’ games, many of which were of the spectacular variety. In total, the Hoover, Alabama native hauled in 52 receptions for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns as a rookie in 2022. Pickens' productive rookie season along with his offseason development has made on impression on Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, who was also a member of Pittsburgh's 2022 draft class. While appearing on Green Light with Chris Long, Pickett spoke about his belief that Pickens has the potential to develop into one of the best receivers in the NFL. 

"George can be a top guy in the league, no doubt," Pickett declared. "There's probably three catches in practice that stick out to me that were better than ones he had that everyone saw on the season. His floor is so high just based on his natural ability and now we've put together a nice route package for him. He continues to work on his game and we work on our continuity together. I'm really excited to play with him going into year two."

Pittsburg Steelers QB Kenny Pickett poses after a touchdown with teammate George Pickens who Pickett believes can develop into one of the NFL’s top receivers

While Pickens produced a solid rookie season, he struggled with consistency, as rookies are apt to do. There were 5 games in which he totaled 70 or more receiving yards but there were also 6 games in which he totaled less than 30 yards receiving, including 3 games that saw the former Georgia receiver post totals of 3 yards or less.  Working with a rookie quarterback certainly contributed to Pickens' inconsistency a year ago, but after missing nearly a full season of development as a junior at Georgia, Pickens still needs to continue to sharpen his skillset and learn how to play within in an NFL offense. However, as Pickett pointed out, there is no doubting the elite physical tools that Pickens possesses. If he can take the natural development step that follows a playing full season in an NFL offense, Pickens' second year in the NFL could see the former Georgia star stake his claim as one of the top wide receivers in the league.