There’s a lot to like about the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh had a solid year in 2023 and is in a position to be much better in 2024. The Steelers won 10 games last year and now will have either nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson or 2021 first-round draft pick Justin Fields under center in 2024. Either would be a clear upgrade and the Steelers loaded up the roster throughout the offseason.
The Steelers have plenty of talent across the roster, including a rising young star at receiver in George Pickens. He took a massive step forward in 2023 and had just under 1,200 receiving yards and led the league with 18.1 yards per reception. Pickens is expected to take another leap in 2024 and was mentioned by SB Nation’s Gus Logue as a player who could make his first Pro Bowl in 2024.
“Any fantasy football expert will tell you Pickens is due for a breakout,” Logue said. “With Diontae Johnson traded to the Carolina Panthers, Pickens is in line for a buffet of targets, and the 23-year-old will benefit from upgrades at quarterback and playcaller. Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith may not be as admired as they used to be, but they’re a far cry from last year’s cast and an on-paper fit with Pickens. D.K. Metcalf and Courtland Sutton notched 10-touchdown seasons as big-bodied targets for Wilson; A.J. Brown and Drake London became yards-per-route-run darlings as big-bodied targets for Smith.
“Pickens is the leanest of the group, but his contested catch ability is among the best in the world. On passes 15-plus yards downfield and outside the numbers last season, Pickens finished third in receptions (16) and yards (502) despite ranking eighth in targets (30), per Sports Info Solutions. Those stats could climb given Wilson’s knack for deep shots down the sideline. If Smith can also activate Pickens across the middle, he’ll be equipped to produce the best numbers by any Steeler since Antonio Brown.”
Story continues below advertisement
He is just 23 years old and is a star in the making. Pittsburgh could take a step forward in 2024 and Pickens would be a major reason why.
More NFL: Steelers UDFA Impressing In Training Camp, Could Even Earn Large Spot
Featured image via Barry Reeger/USA TODAY Sports Images