Re-grading the Steelers 2022 NFL Draft class

Steelers 2022 NFL Draft: George Pickens, Round 2, pick 52 overall

The Steelers have made a habit the last five years, taking a receiver in the second or third round in all but one draft. From JuJu Smith-Schuster to Chase Claypool the team has been all about replenishing the receiver room in April.

This year they got right back to that after taking a one-year hiatus from that strategy and selected George Pickens. He played his college ball at the University of Georgia.

Pickens had a couple of good years in college compiling 85 catches for 1,240 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two seasons. He was expected to have a big junior year in 2021 before a knee injury knocked him out for most of the season.

If not for some reported character concerns and the missed season due to the knee injury, Pickens likely would have gotten himself into round one. The Steelers took him in the second and got extreme value for the talent he possessed.

Training camp was buzzing about the big-bodied receiver from day one and it translated into preseason games with big catches and physical play from the rookie. He kept that rolling into the 2022 season to the tune of 52 catches for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns and a rushing touchdown to boot.

Pickens made some huge, contested catches and displayed great body control and a great catch radius with exceptional hands. He needs to work on his separation and not try to make every catch a highlight but, overall, he looks the part of a stud receiver in the NFL.

The team really may have found their future number-one receiver in Pickens. With Diontae Johnson's struggles, Pickett and Pickens gained a rapport with each other and look to continue the connection well into their careers.

Grade: A