Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens Makes Bold Prediction

Throughout the mid-2000s, the Pittsburgh Steelers changed their identity from being a hard-nosed, smash-mouth, and defensive-oriented franchise, to a more air-raid, high-scoring offense with former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leading the way. Roethlisberger had multiple weapons such as Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Le'Veon Bell in the backfield. 

Since the departure of Roethlisberger and the rest of his playmakers, the Steelers have had to start from scratch and rebuild the offense from the ground up. That started with a successful 2022 NFL Draft in which the Steelers were both able to secure their future franchise quarterback and his number-one target for many years to come.  

Rookies Kenny Pickett and George Pickens connected in the end zone four times in their first season in the NFL which led the NFL among rookie quarterbacks and receivers in 2022. The Steelers are hoping that Pickett and Pickens can have the same connection and chemistry that Roethlisberger and Brown did years ago.

Pickens was on the 102.5 WDVE Morning Show with Randy Baumann and Baumann mentioned to Pickens the old connection between Roethlisberger and Brown, and if he and Pickett could have the same type of chemistry in the future. 

Pickens didn't shy away from comparing the connection he and Pickett have created to what the Steelers have had in the past. 

“I feel like we’re getting to that point. It’s only been like two years, but I totally know what you’re talking about with Ben and AB [Antonio Brown]. Where it got to a point to where it was just second nature, or sometimes he’d be scrambling out and there’s three guys on him, he still just throws it. I feel like that’s going to happen with me and Kenny in probably like year five or year six, where it’s just automatic.”

Steelers Fans Need To Be Patient With Pickett And Pickens In 2023

After watching how the end of the 2022 season played out for both Pickett and Pickens, it is hard not to get immensely excited for what the future holds for the young duo. Although the expectations are high regarding the pair, Pickens believes it may be a handful of seasons before it gets to the Roethlisberger and Brown level. 

Brown spent nine seasons with the Steelers where he recorded 837 receptions, had over 11,200 receiving yards, and 74 touchdowns in the black and gold. Brown could arguably go down as the greatest receiver in Steelers history, and if it wasn't for his off-the-field issues, would likely go down as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. 

Brown made the Pro Bowl in just his second season with the Steelers, but it wasn't until his fourth season which he became one of the top receivers in the entire league. Brown also came into the league at the same time that Roethlisberger was hitting his prime, so it would be unfair to expect Pickens to have a breakout season in 2023, especially with only a second-year quarterback at the helm. 

It is fair though for Steelers fans to see the Pickett-to-Pickens connection grow throughout the 2023 season, especially after the way 2022 ended. One of the highlights of the 2022 season was during the Steelers' Week 16 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve. 

Late in the fourth quarter, Pickett found Pickens in the back of the end zone which kept the Steelers' playoff hopes alive for the time being. I would expect to see Pickett continue to build off moments like that heading into the 2023 season and continue to rely on Pickens in crucial moments in the later stages of games. One day we can only hope that the connection between Pickett and Pickens is as strong as Roethlisberger and Brown. 

What do you think? Do you expect the Pickett and Pickens duo to be as good as the Roethlisberger and Brown duo? If not, what do you think their ceiling is? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!

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