Steelers Totally Surprised George Pickens By Picking Him In 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers were heading into their 2022 campaign with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Gunner Olszewski as their top receivers prior to the draft. While they didn't know the sudden drop-off that Claypool would experience, they were still without a true, top-tier NFL receiver. When George Pickens fell to the second round during the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers leaped at the chance to grab a player with his abilities. As it turns out, even Pickens didn't expect to end up wearing black and gold on draft night.

Pickens suffered an ACL tear early in Georgia's 2021 spring practice, which required him to rehab the injury for most of his final collegiate season. After making a remarkable recovery, Pickens ended up playing in the final games for Georgia in 2021, including a 52-yard reception against Alabama in the 2022 National Championship. His incredible return from injury kept him on the radar for many teams ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Mike DeFabo spoke with Pickens soon after being drafted, and the former Bulldogs' receiver said that he was completely surprised that the Steelers were interested in him, let alone willing to spend a second-round pick on him.

"Even though the Steelers often host their future draft picks, that’s not always the case. Pickens told me two years ago he was 'totally surprised' to be picked by Pittsburgh. 'The only time I saw the Steelers was at my Pro Day,' he said. But when a first-round talent like Pickens fell into the second round, the Steelers decided to take a shot."

Coming off an emotional 2021 season that included the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger and yet another early playoff exit, the Steelers set out to make that period of transition as smooth as possible. Unfortunately, that began with a 2022 first-round pick being spent on Kenny Pickett. The former University of Pittsburgh quarterback was teamed up with Pickens as young talents to try and find some of the same magic the Cincinnati Bengals tapped into with Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase.

Pickens proved early and often that he was well worth the investment, putting up 1,941 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons in the NFL. This was accomplished while dealing with a quarterback room that included a mediocre revolving door of Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. While there have been issues regarding Pickens' maturity and effort on the field, there is little doubt that he has shown evidence that the Steelers got it right.

After the Steelers traded Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, it signaled to Pickens that 2024 was his year to prove that he was not only worth the draft pick, but also capable of shouldering the burden that came with being an elite starting receiver in the NFL. With a new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith and the confidence of the franchise, Pickens is being given every opportunity to take that next step and embrace his number-one spot.

Steelers Giving Pickens A Better Chance

Pickens produced throughout his first two seasons in the league, despite having a lower-end trio of quarterbacks throwing him the football. Pickett only ever managed 13 passing touchdowns in his time with Pittsburgh, but Pickens was still able to stretch the field, even if his quarterbacks didn't notice. Heading into their 2024 campaign, the Steelers brought in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, either of which would represent an instant upgrade for the young receiver.

If Pickens was able to tally nearly 2,000 yards over two seasons with a struggling quarterback room, there are expectations for his numbers to rise significantly now that he will have improved passers under center. Pittsburgh's defense will be ready to hold down the fort, which should give the Steelers' offense plenty of time to become a cohesive, dangerous unit. If Pickens is truly the number-one guy he sees himself as, 2024 is the perfect situation for him to show everything he is able to do.

Even if the combination of Wilson and Fields doesn't become the successful duo the Steelers are hoping for, it should provide enough of a boost for them to finally get deep into the playoffs. Mike Tomlin somehow navigated the rocky 2023 season to a Wild Card berth, and with a better roster in 2024, they should be prepared to accomplish even more.