Former Steelers Executive Makes A Bold Challenge To HC Mike Tomlin Ahead Of Week 6: "Everybody's Doubting [George Pickens]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a risk on wide receiver George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Coming out of the University of Georgia, Pickens dropped on many teams' draft boards due to an ACL injury and “character concerns.” He’d been physically aggressive against opponents a few times, but had also been suspended for refusing to attend mandatory tutoring. There was a sense that many believed that Pickens put himself before his team. Regardless, the Steelers and Head Coach Mike Tomlin took a gamble on Pickens. 

This isn't the first time the Steelers have taken a chance on a wide receiver. Tomlin is frequently credited with controlling and generating production from difficult players. That's why former NFL General Manager Doug Whaley isn't surprised there have been some bumps in the road with Pickens. The third-year receiver possesses a wealth of talent, but has been criticized for a lack of effort on plays where he isn't the target. 

Tomlin cut Pickens' snap count in the Week 5. It was clear that Pickens was extremely unhappy as he pouted on the sideline. During his weekly press conference, Tomlin chalked it up to "load management" and said discipline stays between him and the player. Whaley joined the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show and was asked how Pickens would do in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

"Oh, they are gonna feed him the rock, and he's gonna go off. Just like he did last year. I think Tomlin after saying that, and just knowing Pickens, and just knowing how they are, 'Alright, everybody doubting you, this is the time to show them why you're here.' That's what I would tell him if I was Tomlin. I would go right into Arthur Smith, 'Everybody's doubting him, why not feed him the rock? Why not feed him the rock so we can find out about the quarterback and the receiver? Let's get some answers.' Because the last thing you want to do is not find out and be in the same situation after the season, 'Should we keep him or not?' Throw it on the table and find out."

Whaley said no one should be surprised about Pickens' issues: "You lay down with dogs, you get fleas." Stil he doesn't believe Pittsburgh will choose to trade Pickens this season with the deadline approaching, but he thinks it could happen in 2025. Beginning in Week 6, Pickens can show that what happened was just a momentary setback. 

Whaley believes that Tomlin has sent a message to Pickens about what will or won't be tolerated, and the time is now for Pickens to show the Steelers that they didn't make a mistake.

Steelers' Roman Wilson Still On The Back Burner

Everyone but the Steelers were concerned about the wide receiver position heading into the season. They didn't sign a solid number two to replace Diontae Johnson after he was traded. While there was talk about trading for Brandon Aiyuk, it didn't happen. Tomlin said more than once that he was comfortable with Pickens and their depth pieces.

It didn't take much time to realize that wasn't true. The offense can't seem to sustain drives, which remains a top concern for most analysts. The team's one beacon of hope has been Roman Wilson, the 2024 third-round pick. Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a sprained ankle that has prevented his participation since training camp. Wilson has been back practicing since Week 2, but has not started in a game. 

Recently, Ray Fittipaldo said the fact that Wilson isn't a special teams contributor has hurt him and limited his opportunities to get a helmet. The Steelers value adaptability and versatility and often have their young receivers work on special teams, like Calvin Austin III. He also missed the majority of training camp, so the coaches will need to feel confident that he is up to speed before they activate him. The fans have been eager to see him play, but unfortunately, he has been a healthy scratch each week. 

How do you think Pickens will do against the Raiders? Click to comment below. 

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