Can Steelers’ George Pickens handle the WR1 role?

If George Pickens intends to be the top wide receiver on the new-look Pittsburgh Steelers offense this season, he will need to grow up quickly in the coming months.

Five months seems like an eternity, especially for football diehards who were itching to see their team in action the first Sunday after the Super Bowl ended. But for a player who’s displayed acts of immaturity on more than one occasion, it might not be long enough.

The Steelers were well aware of Pickens’ past when they drafted him. There are reasons he fell into their lap at No. 52, and one of them is character concerns.

Like all receivers, Pickens wants the ball. Like some receivers, he acts out when he doesn’t get it. If he’s listed first on the depth chart, he’ll expect to get the lion’s share of attention from Russell Wilson. When he doesn’t, all eyes will be on him to see how he handles it. If it’s anything like 2023, the Steelers will be looking to move Pickens as soon as possible and let another team deal with his antics.