Arthur Moats: Steelers 'want to take their time' with George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Former Steelers LB: Team wants 'to take their time developing' WR George Pickens

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Dec 20, 2022 10:13 AM ET

The Steelers have had a history of big-personality receivers. Rookie wide receiver George Pickens may be the latest addition to the list.

Pickens, who had a lot of hype coming into the season, has underwhelmed. But former Steelers linebacker Arthur Moats thinks he knows why.

"I do feel like because of the history they've had with certain celebrity receivers they want to take their time developing him. I think that's legitimate," Moats told Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan.

Theory from great Steelers analyst @dabody52 on @937theFan on why George Pickens isn't getting more targets: "I do feel like because of the history they've had with certain celebrity receivers they want to take their time developing him. I think that's legitimate."
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 16, 2022

Pickens had just two catches for 53 yards in the Steelers' 24-16 win over the Panthers in Week 15. The rookie receiver has 42 receptions for 643 yards and two touchdowns on the year, per ESPN.com.

Former Steelers WR Antonio Brown took to Twitter before their Week 15 matchup to give his take on the rookie wide receiver.

Feed George Pickens the Ball

Hungry Why Wait ?

— AB (@AB84) December 17, 2022

Brown's support didn't seem to make too much of a difference as Pickens only had five targets in the game. For the first time in a long time, fans are taking Brown's side.

It's too early in Pickens' career to compare him to Brown. Brown had a number of on and off-the-field antics during his time in Pittsburgh while Pickens only showed his frustrations once in Week 13.

Pickens is clearly a talented receiver. If the Steelers want to do their best to develop rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett for the future, they should do the same with Pickens.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

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