The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't having the smoothest road in 2022 as they experience life without Ben Roethlisberger. However, one of their rookies is giving them some hope for the foreseeable future on the offensive side of the ball.

Wide receiver George Pickens, who was taken in the second round, was brought in to give the Steelers some speed and diversity to their receiver room. Pickens has been successful in that task, so much so that he has been the highest-graded Steelers' rookie according to Pro Football Focus during the first 12 weeks of the season.

Kambui Bomani on Pickens:

"Pickens is nearly at the halfway mark of a 1,000-yard receiving season and has 22 first-down receptions so far this year. He's brought in 11 of his 18 contested targets."

The Steelers have played some musical chairs at quarterback with Pickett and veteran Mitch Trubisky, but it hasn't stopped Pickens from making his mark in the pros. He's hauled in 33 receptions, and for 453 yards are just three behind veteran Diontae Johnson who has 18 more catches.

Pickens has shown a knack for making unbelievable catches as well since entering the pros. In Week 3 against the rival Cleveland Browns, Pickens extended to make an incredible one-handed catch by the sideline. One week later versus the New York Jets, Pickens did his best impression of Michael Jackson in "Smooth Criminal" by leaning his body on the sideline and tapping his feet in bounds.

Pickett is slowly learning the nuances of playing quarterback, and fellow rookies Calvin Austin and DeMarvin Leal have potential once they find their stride. However, Pickens has, at least for now, set himself apart from the other first-year talents in Pittsburgh.

Feature image via Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK