Steelers’ coach believes George Pickens can do anything he wants: “He’s that talented”

Pickens is projected to have a breakout campaign with Russell Wilson throwing him dimes.

Steelers’ coach believes George Pickens can do anything he wants: “He’s that talented”

George Pickens (Image via IMAGO)

If there was a time for George Pickens to prove himself as a top receiver, then it’s now. With the Steelers acquiring Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson and former Bears quarterback Justin Fields, the expectations are certainly high.

Not only that, but they also added former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. Although Smith is famous for his run game, his colleague the wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni claimed it is going to help Pickens elevate his game.

It’s right there for him. He’s just got to… pick it up [and take the cheese], do the things we asked him to do and he can do anything he wants. He’s that talented.
Zach Azzanni said via Dale Lolly of the Steelers.com

Despite the constant changes in the quarterback spot last season, George Pickens was phenomenal on the pitch. He was 8th overall among receivers who played all 17 games in 2023.

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Pickens caught 63 passes for 1140 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Per StatMuse, he had the best yards per reception ratio (18.1) compared to any other receiver in the league.

George Pickens can break the receiving yards record next season

Steeler recently re-signed longtime head coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year deal. The veteran is renowned for developing young talents and Pickens certainly needs his help. And if he manages to crack his code, then NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks believes the Georgia graduate can break the receiving yards (1,964) record set by Calvin Johnson.

Steelers' coach believes George Pickens can do anything he wants: "He's that talented"
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (Image via IMAGO)

Brooks created a five-man list in which Pickens received special attention.

[George] Pickens could light up the stat sheet as the big-play specialist on the perimeter. The third-year pro has averaged nearly 17 yards per catch for his career, including a league-leading 18.1 yards per catch in 2023 with a revolving door at quarterback.
Bucky Brooks wrote

The more of the same would be the cry from the Steelers nation. As for Pickens, he is focused on improving as a slot receiver and Smith has given the freedom to do so. His slot rate so a significant increase (from 11.7 in 2021 to 20.1 in 2022). Pickens claimed that they have diversified their approach based on the teams they will face.

We are varied, we got speed. So, it’s going to be nice to have a lot of speed on the field… Just a different, different offense.
George Pickens said

After wrapping up the preseason in August, the Steelers will face Smith’s former team the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season.

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