NFL
By: Melo Williams
As amazing as the quarterback competition was for the #Steelers in the preseason, Pittsburgh rookie wide receiver George Pickens was just as amazing himself in camp and in preseason games finishing with 8 recs 84 yards 1 TD on 12 targets. Along with two unforgettable 2022 NFL preseason moments, where Pickens absolutely destroyed two defensive backs from Seattle and Detroit while run blocking that immediately reminded me of former Steelers wide receiver and two-time Super Bowl Champion Hines Ward, who had some unforgettable memorable moments during his NFL career where he leveled linebackers and defensive backs while blocking. Interestingly, both George Pickens and Hines Ward attended the University of Georgia. Leveling cornerbacks while run blocking was something normally seen by Pickens in Athens, GA so maybe it’s just the #Bulldogs way of doing things.
After winning the 2022 College Football National Championship with the Georgia Bulldogs over Alabama Crimson Tide, George Pickens was drafted by the Steelers in the second round with the 52nd pick. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 200 lbs it’s going to be hard for defensive backs to tackle and bring down Pickens one on one. Pickens runs a 4.47 40 which isn’t the fastest but is fast and it’ll be hard to catch him if gets a step with space and open field.
Steelers training camp opened up and George Pickens arrived focused, prepared, and ready to work. Since then, Pickens has been a joy to watch with his physical play and athleticism using his 6’3” 200 lbs stature in his favor in training camp going against Steelers corners. Pickens’ teammates and fellow Steelers’ wide receivers, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool both have been in awe of Pickens and have raved about him. Diontae Johnson said via SI’s All Steelers game.
George Pickens Preseason Stats:
Vs Seattle 3 rec 43 yards 1 TD 5 targets
Vs Jacksonville 2 rec 6 yards 2 targets
Vs Detroit 3 rec 35 yards 5 targets
“He’s a freak, that’s what he is,” Johnson said. “He’s a freak. That’s a special talent. You can’t teach some of the things he does. I just be watching like, man, I be amazed at how he catches the ball sometimes. He’s young. He’s getting better on the daily.” Heading into training camp Claypool said “I think he’s gonna be the best rookie receiver in the NFL” Claypool said of Pickens. That’s a lot of praise.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has said that “George Pickens has the talent, we’re developing the skill. Pittsburgh’s Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has said with the addition of Pickens to the Steelers wide receivers group adds versatility and which can help the Steelers offense be dynamic. Matt Canada has praised Pickens skillset loving that Pickens can get down the field and make plays, he can go up and get the ball, and is very impressed with his hands. Besides Canada’s praise of Pickens skills, he loves his character and spoke highly about George Pickens as a person.
With the Steelers adding George Pickens to an offense that already consists of wide receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers’ offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Yes, a lot of the Steelers offensive success will depend on the play of either or both quarterbacks Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett, however, with the talent level of the skilled position guys, Pittsburgh’s offense will be a lot better than most people think outside of Pittsburgh.
