ESPN sees 'elite upside' for Steelers wide receiver George Pickens
It's not a matter of if George Pickens pans out for the Pittsburgh Steelers, rather just how high his ability will reach.Last year's second-round pick found immediate success for Pittsburgh, hauling in 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie starter. It took him just four weeks to post his first 100-yard game, and he […]
It's not a matter of if George Pickens pans out for the Pittsburgh Steelers, rather just how high his ability will reach.
Last year's second-round pick found immediate success for Pittsburgh, hauling in 801 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie starter. It took him just four weeks to post his first 100-yard game, and he caught two touchdown passes in his final three games.
When the ball is thrown Pickens' way, not many receivers in the game are more reliable than him to catch it. The numbers back this up in an extreme way.
Pickens was arguably the best receiver last year at bringing in contested catches. He caught 19 of his 28 contested targets, per Pro Football Focus, and his Catch Score was an amazing 99, according to ESPN's Seth Walder.
That's as clear and obvious of a strength as you can have, but there's ample room for Pickens to improve elsewhere. Pickens was listed as Walder's X-factor for the Steelers this season if he can improve his ability to gain separation as a route runner. Pickens' Open Score was a below average 48 last year.
His 99 Catch Score fueled a successful rookie year and gave Pickens elite upside if he can develop as a route runner and get open more frequently. He posted a below-average 48 Open Score last season, according to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats. – ESPN's Seth Walder
Both figures seem to quantify Pickens' game as a rookie. He made highlight reel grabs despite being covered well, and they were frequent due to his inability to break free from coverages.
Still just 22 years old, Pickens can survive on high-pointing passes better than opposing cornerbacks, but his production and usefulness in the Steelers' offense only increases if he makes it easier for quarterback Kenny Pickett to target him.
Steelers WR George Pickens gives quote about Kenny Pickett that will make Pittsburgh fans smile
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have something special in a couple of rookies. Pittsburgh rookie wide receiver George Pickens and rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett appear to be building a great connection together. The duo didn't put up insane numbers in the Steelers' 24-17 win against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, but they provided one of […]
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