There is a ton of optimism surrounding the Pittsbrugh Steelers' newest Qb and Wr duo.

The top two selections in Pittsburgh's 2022 draft class, George Pickens and Kenny Pickett started their career together in notable fashion.

And while you would love to see both of them have a breakout year, today we're going to examine why one is more likely than the other. Let's dive in. 

Biggest Breakout Candidate: WR George Pickens

I know many think and or hope that Pickett isn the one going to take the big step, but I will explain why Pickens is the player most likely to do so and why it will benefit all parties. 

For one, Pickens has everything you look for in a perennial Pro Bowler at wide receiver and he just turned 22 in March, meaning he's yet to hit his athletic prime, while he learns the nuances of the position. 

And according to his own Qb, he's locked in on doing just that, as he looks to develop his route tree and become an unstoppable force at every area of the field. In a recent sit down on the Pivot Pod, Pickett raved about Pickens' want to get better, and how he has been working hard on his technique as the two trained together down in Miami. 

And if Pickett's praise is a little too "homer" for you, look no further than the words of one of the NFL's greatest players, Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning:

“He’s the perfect receiver. He has speed, hands, incredible route running, can find the soft spot in zone. He’s the type of player that’s a QB’s best friend.”

And that's the thing, the notion that Pickens needs to become a better route runner is a little overblown, something Manning pointed out. Pickens' ability to drop his weight, his suddenness, and his swift feet all lend him the ability to create separation. 

What he lacks is the experience and in-game repetition of more technical routes like corner-posts, shake routes, and deep-in cuts. All of that will come with time and it's why Pickens is the obvious choice to be the Steelers' top breakout candidate, especially when you consider the mastery it takes to excel at the quarterback position. 

If Pickett were to finish even in the top half of the league in key merics like QBR, passer rating and EPA per play, that would be an incredible jump in development. But Pickens is already coming off a rookie campaign where he recorded over 800 yards on only 52 catches, hauling in four touchdowns. 

Its feasible that he doubles those numbers in 2023, proving to place himself amongst the tops in the league at his position. The same cannot be said for Pickett, as even he probably doesn't envision himself in the conversation with the Mahomes, Burrows, and Herberts of the world after only one full year of playing time. 

And here's the best part about a potential breakout year for Pickens…It only helps Pickett as the two are mutual beneficiaries of anything good that comes from the offense. 

So while we hope they both take the next step, I would bet on Pickens to be the player that makes the biggest leap in 2023.