Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety and current ESPN analyst, Ryan Clark, caused quite the stir during a recent episode of NFL Live in which he proclaimed that George Pickens is "much more talented" than Minnesota Vikings All-Pro wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. Pickens certainly made a name for himself during his rookie campaign in 2022, hauling in 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns. With that being said, these stats do not even come come close to the numbers Jefferson has put up during his first three seasons in the NFL. Many view Clark's comments as invalid due to his affiliation with the Steelers, but he is not the only one who shares this opinion.
Following the Steelers' training camp practice on Wednesday, Patrick Peterson was asked to weigh in on the Pickens vs. Jefferson debate, to which the former Vikings cornerback explained why Clark may not be as crazy to what people are making him out to be.
Peterson Explains The Difference Between Pickens And Jefferson
Peterson's take may hold more merit compared to Clark, as he was a teammate of Jefferson for two seasons in Minnesota. While there is virtually no comparison between the two players from a production standpoint, the argument can certainly be made that Pickens has an advantage over Jefferson when it comes to athleticism. As Peterson details in the interview, Pickens still has a long way to go in terms of catching the Vikings All-Pro statistically.
"G.P. [George Pickens] is very, very raw. He's very unpredictable when the ball is coming his way as far as catching ability. On my podcast the other day, All Things Covered, I called his hands magnets because if the ball is coming near him, he finds a way to come down with the catch," said Peterson.
Peterson would go on to explain how Jefferson is a "savant" of the wide receiver position, describing how he is extremely effective at manipulating defensive backs, in addition to his stellar route-running. Furthermore, the Steelers cornerback explained how Jefferson has two more years of NFL experience compared to Pickens, which gives him a distinct advantage.
Pickens' Ascension In 2023 Could Pay Huge Dividends For Steelers Offense
During the same episode of NFL Live, fellow ESPN analyst, Dan Orlovsky, shared his thoughts on what an improved Pickens in 2023 could mean for the Kenny Pickett-led Steelers offense.
"What happens if he [Pickens] becomes as good of a player as Stefon Diggs? All of a sudden, Kenny Pickett gets put into a conversation that we're having going, 'Wow, they're one of the best one-two duos.' All of these one-two duos that we have, they're all really good teams," said Orlovsky.
Needless to say, Pickens' potential emergence as an All Pro-level pass catcher in 2023 could help take the Steelers offense to heights that have not been reached in years. With Pickett poised to showcase his ability to be the face of the franchise quarterback and an offensive line that is loaded with talent, there is no telling how many points this unit may put up when the regular season begins.
Pickens, in all likelihood, will likely not have as many receiving yards or touchdowns in 2023 compared to Jefferson, but this does not mean his impact on the totality of the offense will be any less compared to the Vikings wide receiver. With Pickens commanding more attention from opposing defenses, the opportunity for players such as Diontae Johnson, Allen Robinson, and Pat Freiermuth to shine becomes much more of a reality. This offense is going to have the potential to shock the world this season.
Thoughts, Steeler Nation?
Let's hear it! Do you honestly think Pickens is more talented than Jefferson? What are your expectations for the second-year receiver in 2023? Be sure to
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