Pro Bowl and Fantasy Stardom Go Hand in Hand

by Bo Marchionte
Published August 26, 2024, 03:42 PM

Pittsburgh, PA – George Pickens has shown flashes of being a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver since entering the NFL. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pickens quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional athleticism, catch radius, and ability to make spectacular catches in contested situations.

Unfortunately, Pickens has entered a period in Steelers history with two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the rearview mirror and his 64,088 passing yards along with 418 touchdown passes.

The team initially started Mitch Trubisky, in 2022, before turning to rookie Kenny Pickett. The inconsistency at quarterback, combined with a shaky offensive line and a new offensive coordinator in Matt Canada, made it difficult for the offense to find a rhythm.

Despite these hurdles, Pickens still managed to produce solid numbers, finishing with 801 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. His ability to make big plays, especially in contested catch situations, stood out even when the offense struggled to move the ball consistently.

In his sophomore season, Pickens surpassed the coveted 1,000 plateau with 1,140 yards, despite the Steelers’ offensive struggles continuing, particularly early in the season. The offensive line had its ups and downs, and Pickett not developing stunted what possibly could have been a truly breakout season for Pickens.

It seems the new regime of key offensive components that Pickens is primed for his first Pro Bowl campaign which will lead him to becoming a fantasy darling for football owners everywhere.

“I’d probably say the same thing,” Pickens laughed in correlation, saying don’t sleep on him for having a big season in 2024. “Because I’m going to just keep working. So, hopefully I can get your guys hopes up for fantasy (football) and stuff like that.”

Optimism reigns supreme with a trio of new quarterbacks in Pittsburgh, highlighted by Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. I feel comfortable in the notion that Wilson, Fields or third string quarterback Kyle Allen will all succeed in the production of the group of quarterbacks in Pittsburgh last season that featured Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph.

The offensive scheme under Matt Canada was often criticized for being too conservative and predictable, limiting the opportunities for explosive plays. Despite these issues, Pickens remained a bright spot.

With new quarterbacks and OC in Arthur Smith, Pickens is in the best position to succeed and reach that next level. His numbers could far exceed his previous season high totals and enter him into the realm of the elite.

“Awe no I don’t actually” Pickens said in setting any specific number goals for the season. “I kind of anticipate it. I don’t really know but I kind of anticipate it. Hope it’s coming. I’ll just keep working.”

His blend of size, speed, and physicality makes him a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. I remember him during interviews at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, and how an injury during his final season at Georgia hampered his overall draft value. Plenty of receivers approached the podium, but he stood out with a nonsense demeanor. There was something that stuck with me during his interview, a quiet confidence, not to be confused with being cocky. 

“I bring to the game a few attributes that a few other guys don’t have,” said Pickens during the NFL Combine. 

Pickens’ potential to reach Pro Bowl status hinges on consistent production week in and week out. That is an extension of the offense and how much Wilson or Fields can elevate the offense. His blend of size, speed, and physicality makes him a matchup nightmare for defensive backs.

Given his talent and the flashes of brilliance he’s already shown, it’s not hard to envision Pickens emerging as a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. If he continues his current trajectory, he has the potential to be one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.

“I know how fantasy football works so hopefully I can bless a few people,” Pickens smiled.

If it all comes to fruition for his first Pro Bowl berth, Pickens will lift the spirits of fantasy owners everywhere, while restoring an offensive presence in Pittsburgh that has disappeared since the retirement of Big Ben.

His meets the requirements for greatness, now it’s time for the Steelers offense to deliver.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com