From the moment he was drafted, everyone knew that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was special. Pickens is one of those rare athletes who seems capable of making the impossible routine. One new Steeler Pickens has definitely impressed is cornerback Patrick Peterson.
Peterson said Pickens had a similar game to former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. High praise indeed given Hopkins has been named an All-Pro five times and has 853 career receptions in 10 seasons.
The key to Pickens in 2023 is figuring out how to maximize what he does well, which is catching everything close to him and minimizing the struggles he has getting open. Pickens could be a monster in yards after the catch if he can polish his route running and create enough space that every catch doesn’t have to be contested.
Peterson also noted the connection building between Pickens and quarterback Kenny Pickett. he even went so far as to compare it to the connection between former Steelers Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown.
George Pickens is reportedly thought to have a very “similar game” to DeAndre Hopkins according to Patrick Peterson (Steelers CB).
Kenny Pickett even said he sees a Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown “like connection” possible between him and Pickens.
Pickens said his goal for… pic.twitter.com/mLiLeh0AQR
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 11, 2023
