The Football Feed

ESPN has major prediction for Steelers' George Pickens

This would be huge for the franchise.

The Football Feed

The Football Feed

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw their season end early, falling just short of a postseason berth despite rebounding to finish 7-2 in their last nine games of the schedule. Regardless, it was an extremely maligned campaign for the offense and OC Matt Canada in particular. 

However, one player that analysts are expecting to enjoy a "breakout" style season in 2023 is none other than wide receiver George Pickens. 

Take a look at what ESPN’s Matt Bowen had to say about the prospects of Pickens having his coming out party next season:

“Pickens has all the traits of a boundary receiver who can be isolated to win with his frame, ball skills and three-level ability,” Bowen wrote. “Given another year of development and with quarterback Kenny Pickett, Pickens should play a difference-making role in ’23. He had 801 receiving yards in his rookie campaign.”

Last year, Pickens finished the season with 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns. What will those numbers look like in 2023? 

One thing is certain - the Steelers will need a huge effort not only from Pickens but from the rest of the team offense as a whole in order to justify the maligned Matt Canada being retained despite overwhelming negative reception from the fans.