Every year in training camp there are players around the league that garner a ton of attention. This year, a lot of that attention has been on the Pittsburgh Steelers. People want to see how Kenny Pickett, the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is faring in camp.
However, the biggest name coming out of Steelers camp is another rookie; wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens was drawing some attention during the draft process as a potential first-round pick, but he slipped into the second round, where the Steelers selected him 52nd overall out of Georgia.
Pickens was the 11th wide receiver taken in the draft and Pittsburgh was certainly happy about that. He has looked like one of the biggest steals of the draft during offseason workouts and practices.
Given the penchant that the Steelers have for developing wide receivers, the hype around Pickens very well could be for real. He is making highlight plays regularly in camp as his clips have become commonplace on social media.
His teammates are also taking notice of just how dominant he is. Fellow wide receiver Diontae Johnson recently commented on Pickens’ performance, calling him a freak that is improving every day.
His improvements are going to make this offense very dangerous. As Johnson pointed out, it is going to be very difficult to slow down him, Pickens and Chase Claypool.
“It’s going to be a big plus,” Johnson said, via Noah Strackbein of SI.com. “They’re not going to be able to cover everyone, they can’t double everyone. There’s always going to be a one-on-one matchup, it’s up to the defense who they’re going to cover.”
This offense is deeper than just the wide receiver position as well. Najee Harris, entering his second season in the NFL, has already proven he can be a workhorse in the backfield. Pat Freiermuth is only getting better at the tight end position as well as he enters Year 2.
Whoever starts for the Steelers at quarterback in Week 1 is going to have a deep, talented group of skill position players to get the ball to. If the offensive line can hold their own, this has the makings to be one of the best offenses in the NFL.
