Forever In Our Hearts: Former Steelers WR Dies In A Car Crash….

George Pickens will have the least help he has had in his career to this point as he enters the 2024-25 season. The departure of Diontae Johnson opens up the No. 1 receiver slot as well as a boatload of potential for the third-year receiver.

As the No. 2 man in 2023-24, Pickens hauled in 63 receptions for 1,140 yards. This averages 18.2 yards per catch, the best in the NFL.

Pickens also caught over 50% of his targets, showing efficiency at just 23 years old.

The standard of receiver in the modern NFL is undoubtedly Justin Jefferson. With that being said here are some of Jefferson’s stats when he was 23 years old with Minnesota.

184 targets
128 receptions
1,809 yards receiving
These numbers clearly double all of Pickens from their 23 years. However, who is to say if Pickens gets such volume that he could not be as effective as Jefferson?

Of course, it is easy to say that because, well, it is Justin Jefferson. What is so different about Jefferson and Pickens, though?

Jefferson is two inches shorter and five pounds smaller than Pickens, giving the Steelers wideout even more room for opportunity.

Besides, Pickens’ big play capability is just as significant — if not more — than Jefferson’s.

Enough of the comparisons now because all that matters is proving it. Pickens has maintained haters since entering the NFL draft. Mainly because of how far he dropped.

Through two seasons as a No. 2, he has proven to be one of the most efficient and highlight-reel-worthy receivers in the league.

Now, he finally gets his chance as a No. 1 receiver and the ultimate chance to prove to everyone what he can do.

If Pickens reaches his ceiling this season, we should expect a stat line like this:

160 targets
105 receptions
1,400 yards receiving
Who knows, things could be better or they could be worse, it is simply up to Pickens to prove to us what he is capable of.