Steelers WR George Pickens Backing Up Superstar Hype
LATROBE -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens said, just three days into the second training camp of his NFL career, that he is "the best in the world," and the past ten practices at St. Vincent College have backed that up.
He has made highlight catch after highlight catch after highlight catch, torching any Steelers defensive back unlucky enough to have their number called. Pickens has looked every bit as good as the superstar that was promised and a weapon that does not have an equal in the NFL.
"I wouldn't tell someone to go out there and try to play like GP," Steelers receiver Miles Boykin said. "Just because they're not going to be able to replicate the kinds of things he does - speed, power, physicality. He's truly a one-of-one."
The physical traits - his speed, range and power - have carried over from his rookie season to now, but this new gear that Pickens appears to have reached was achieved with a new focus on what had previously been blind spots, helping him unlock another level.
"He's just a different player now," Boykin said. "The attention to detail he has now that he didn't have last year - and that comes with everyone who's a rookie going into their second year - it's just outstanding. Now you're seeing George for who he really is."
So when Pickens makes bold declarations about his place in the NFL's wide receiver pecking order, his teammates believe him. Watching him up close and personal every day at practice, Pickens' confidence stands out the most.
He dances on the sidelines, talks trash to defenders, and celebrates victories big and small, individual and team. There have been plenty of reasons for Pickens to demonstrate that unshakable belief in himself this summer as he emerges as the brightest star at Steelers training camp.
“One thing I notice about George is that when the ball is in the air, that’s his ball," fellow Steelers receiver Deb Fitzpatrick said. "I think that’s his demeanor, I think that’s who he is as a receiver and he definitely has that factor to him.”
It's easier for him to be confident as he gets more familiar with the offense and becomes more of a focal point in the Steelers' passing attack. His quarterbacks can sense comfort translating to speed, which leads to more big plays down the field.
“I think the continuity, just being in the offense and getting used to the speed at the next level and just being in the same system has allowed him to play faster,” Mitch Trubisky said. "When he's locked in, he can really go."
This is preseason and Pickens has yet to show that same superstar ability over the course of a 17-game regular season against live competition, but for now all signs point to Pickens realizing the all-world ceiling he has set for himself and it's evident to everyone who has watched his stellar 2023 training camp that those goals are achievable.
"Some of the things he's done, I've never seen a receiver do," Boykin said. "So I absolutely believe him when he says [he's the best in the world]. I'll probably say it before anyone else does."
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