Steelers won NFL Draft with ‘best receiving prospect’ George Pickens

From a pure talent standpoint, Greg Cosell does not think there was a better wide receiver prospect from the 2022 NFL Draft than George Pickens, now of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When Greg Cosell speaks glowingly of an NFL Draft prospect or younger player, you better listen up: He thinks the world of George Pickens.

During his most recent appearance on The Ross Tucker Football Podcast, Cosell said strictly from a talent standpoint, Pickens was the best wide receiver prospect he scouted in last year’s draft class. The Pittsburgh Steelers used their second-round pick on the former Georgia standout. Off-the-field issues and injury concerns are reasons why Pickens was not a top-32 overall selection.

Cosell does believe that Pickens is going to the ideal spot for him, as the Steelers organization is known for cultivating elite wide receiver talent. He also gets to play for an outstanding head coach in Mike Tomlin.

Will Pickett-to-Pickens become synonymous with Steelers football for a new generation of fans?

Greg Cosell: George Pickens was “the best receiving prospect in this draft class”

Look — anyone who followed the Georgia program, or SEC football in general, over the last three years could have told you the Dawgs had something special at wide receiver. Pickens was the most talented wideout Georgia has had since A.J. Green. Now, he goes to a place where fellow Dawgs legend Hines Ward put together an incredible professional career. It is good to be Pickens.

What makes Pickens such a tremendous receiving prospect is pretty simple: He can do everything. Pickens is not afraid of lining up in the slot and taking over a game as a possession receiver. Look no further than his greatest game in Georgia uniform during the 2020 Sugar Bowl victory over Baylor. He is not afraid to stretch the field (i.e., National Championship game) or factor in the run.

Pickens plays with a bit of a mean streak, which is both good and bad. He will be the aggressor in most instances, which will allow him to create separation. Conversely, he will pick up a penalty flag or two, possibly getting ejected if he loses his head in the moment. Regardless, Pickens has the potential to be the most dynamic weapon on the Steelers offense for years and years to come.

If Pickens can play with composure above the shoulders, nobody is going to be able to stop him.