Russell Wilson believes George Pickens can be 'special receiver'

There is an ongoing debate about who will be the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver this season, but there's no arguing that their No. 1 wide receiver is George Pickens.

The third-year wide receiver has the chance to take his game to another level in 2024 after registering a career-high 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.

One of the reasons Pickens could do just that is new quarterback Russell Wilson, who believes he can be just as special as some of his former teammates.

"There's only so many people in the world that can do what he can do," Wilson said. "I've been fortunate to play around some special receivers and he's that guy. He's definitely one of those, for sure."

Wilson has had the opportunity to play with several great receivers throughout his 12-year NFL career. So if he sees a similar future for Pickens, who's to argue against him?

Pickens has also received some early glowing reviews from new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni.

"He's been great so far," Azzanni said. "There's so much in there, untapped potential. I think if we can just get him a little bit better, it'll be monumental."

At the end of the day, it will be up to Pickens to reach the high expectations of those around him, but he revealed in May that he's been living and breathing football all offseason.

"I don't take a lot of time off," Pickens said, via Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Sometimes I don't even sleep. I'll pull all-nighters, just thinking about football."

The 23-year-old has been highly criticized for his immaturity the past two seasons. 

If Pickens' renewed mindset paired with the early reviews of him hint anything, it's that he may finally develop into the "special" player Wilson and many others think he can be.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.