George Pickens is About to Break Out

 Yesterday was my fantasy football draft, I got to pick first overall! It was a good time as fantasy drafts typically are. No I didn't pick George Pickens first overall, calm down hardos. I of course went with Christian McCaffrey. George Pickens did however find his way onto my team, and despite the QB battle in Pittsburgh, I believe he will end the season as one of the top wide receivers in football. 


George Pickens slipped to the second round of his draft despite his immense talent, due to behavioral concerns. He is a bit of a hot head and a diva, but what great wide receiver isn't? I mean seriously, isn't that a massive part of what makes the game great? Wide receivers have attitudes, I personally love it. Pickens is no different. Multiple times over his first two seasons you could see the high and low emotions of the game impacting him. When George was involved in the offense, he would play hard, block his assignment and run the routes even if the ball wasn't going to find him. When Pickens wasn't involved he would sulk and let the little things fall by the wayside. This is all that separates George Pickens from being a great receiver. This season, Pickens is the only legitimate candidate for regular receptions on the Steelers. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is known for running the football, something that will prove fruitful for the Steelers backs, but what about the receivers? 


A key aspect to Arthur Smith's offensive plans is establishing the run, then breaking the defense over the top with the pass. Pickens is an awesome deep threat who is able to make contested catches look both easy and awesome at the same time. GP played most of last season with underwhelming Kenny Pickett at the QB position. This year should see an upgrade with aging veteran Russell Wilson and young up-and-comer Justin Fields taking over that position. George will need to improve his route running to get open on more plays as he will now be relied upon as the every down #1 receiver, but if he does this even to an average degree, he will be not only elite, but maybe the best receiver in the league. 


That's it today! I didn't have too much to say I just really have liked George Pickens over the 2 seasons he's had in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have done a great job of churning wide receiver talent, this year they look as thin as they've been since I became a fan. George is going to have the opportunity to shine as a top receiving threat, I really hope that I am right and he takes it. 

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