George Pickens explains why he's the best wide receiver in the world
George Pickens doesn’t lack confidence. After one season in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers talent believes he’s the gold standard at wide receiver.
“The stuff that I do, bro, I feel like I’m the best in the whole world,” Pickens told The Ringer’s Kevin Clark. “I’m big, I’m fast, low 4.4 [speed]. Catch radius is crazy. So every time I get out on the field, I do kind of play angry because I should get the ball on every play if you just look at the size and the frame. If I was a coach, I’d just throw to him every time. But that’s not how the NFL works. So every time I’m out there, that’s why I throw the blocks. I love getting the ball, and when I’m not getting the ball, I play angry so the attention is back on me. I basically draw attention to myself.”
Pickens’ strategies worked in his rookie campaign. The Steelers selected the Georgia standout with the No. 52 overall pick in the 2022 NFL after he suffered a torn ACL in his final season with the Bulldogs. The risky pick has proven to be a steal.
Pickens boasted 52 receptions for 801 yards last season. Moreover, the 6-foot-3 wideout raked in four touchdowns. Pickens is known for his unpredictable style, flying past defenders just as easily as he blocks them into next week.
The Alabama native specifically gained popularity for knocking defensive backs down directly off the snap. Pickens finds the reaction to his unusual methods amusing.
“Nobody ever thought to do this. Cornerbacks are worried about their feet, their hand placement, and they don’t realize they are on their heels in a seated chair position. All I have to do is push. And that was a shock to everybody because people are like, ‘It’s not illegal, but I never thought to do it.’ So it’s become one of my go-to’s.”
Pickens claims his odd techniques are particularly effective against defensive backs who are “overthinkers.”
“I always kill DBs who are overthinkers,” Pickens said. “And what’s crazy is the overthinkers are Xavien Howard or Jalen [Ramsey], and those are the best guys. And that’s why I think most DBs can’t really check me.”
Obviously, Pickens isn’t afraid to talk trash.
“If you want a receiver, you create a player, it’s ‘Oh, I’m gonna put his blocking 99, catching 99, speed 99.’ That’s me. Anybody else, it’s almost like 85s, but they’ve got [Aaron Rodgers] as their quarterback; 90 but he’s got the old Patriots [offense],” Pickens said. “As far as what you’d use to build a receiver, I’m the ideal guy.”
Pickens will have plenty of opportunities to back up his banter this season. The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin the regular season on Sept. 10 when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.