ESPN analyst calls Steelers WR George Pickens breakout candidate for 2023

Last season ushered in a new era for the Pittsburgh Steelers with their 2022 NFL draft class. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receiver George Pickens developed immediate chemistry and gave Pittsburgh hope for the post-Ben Roethlisberger era.

ESPN pulled together a group of their experts and asked them a variety of questions speculating about the 2023 season including who their top breakout candidate is. Matt Bowen named Pickett as his breakout candidate for the upcoming season after the flashes he showed in 2022.

Pickens has all the traits of a boundary receiver who can be isolated to win with his frame, ball skills and three-level ability. 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.

Personally, we can’t wait to see what Pickens has in store for everyone next season. He was overshadowed by an immensely talented rookie wide receiver class last season but still had the highest catch rate in the entire NFL. The sky is literally the limit for Pickens and if the Steelers passing offense can get on track, he could develop into the team’s No. 1 receiver very quickly.