Steelers WR George Pickens 'pulls all night long just thinking about football'

Since the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson in the offseason, Pickens is the clear No. 1 in a weak Pittsburgh receiver corps. There were questions about his maturity last season, but the Steelers showed confidence in his development this offseason and made him the centerpiece of the passing offense.

In 2023, Pickens had 1,140 yards on 63 catches, a league-high 18.1 yards per catch and five touchdowns, solid numbers for a club whose passing game struggled for most of the season.

Pickens told Mackey that we haven't seen 100% of his abilities yet.

“I'd probably say 80 percent,” Pickens said. “I can only assume how the quarterback plays. I can develop more. … The yardage showed it. I should have made the Pro Bowl.”

The Steelers traded former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph to Tennessee. Replacing them are veterans Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, along with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Pickens feels the changes on offense will suit him well.

“I feel like it can be very useful,” he said. “With that kind of mindset or scheme, my job is to just be open.”

Pickens can get open, and with third-round rookie Roman Wilson set to go No. 2, he should see the pigskin a lot in 2024. In an offense designed to funnel the ball his way, Pickens will have a chance to put up numbers that could lead to his first Pro Bowl nomination.