Former Georgia Bulldog George Pickens has been one of the most electric players since being drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. However, he has yet to make a Pro Bowl. Steelers and UGA fans are looking for him to achieve that this year, and NFL analyst Kevin Patra thinks he can break through to make his first one in 2024.
“Last season, Pickens collected 1,140 yards alongside Dionte Johnson. With Johnson in Carolina, Pickens is now the clear-cut No. 1 option in Pittsburgh.”
“There are also huge questions behind him in the pecking order, meaning Pickens should see a plethora of targets that will allow him to stockpile stats. The 23-year-old boasts the talent on the outside to win one-on-ones.”
“While used mostly as a boundary field-stretcher, Pickens can feast on all three levels, and I expect new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to use Pickens more liberally all over the field than the previous staff did. Barring an addition to the WR corps, Pickens is in a position to potentially lead the NFL in targets in 2024.”
That’s not to mention that Pickens also led the league in yards per reception with 18.1. He also got 1,140 yards on 63 receptions with the Steelers ranking in the bottom five in passing attempts and bottom ten in passing yards. With two new quarterbacks, a new offensive coordinator, and (as mentioned) not as much competition, Pickens could break out into a truly elite receiver.
He could be getting some competition soon, however, with the Steelers linked to former Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from the 49ers. Regardless of the Aiyuk situation, Steelers fans and Georgia fans should be excited to see him make highlight catches again this season.
