Steelers QB Russell Wilson makes bold statement about George Pickens

Several notable players have been on the receiving end of Russell Wilson‘s passes over his dozen years in the league: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Doug Baldwin, Courtland Sutton, Sidney Rice.

Wilson can now add George Pickens among those notable wide receivers, and he’s seen what the future could hold for the third-year Pittsburgh Steeler.

“George has every bit of potential to be one of the best to play this game, Wilson said on Cameron Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast on Monday.

“The best thing about him is he has this natural instinct for the ball. I don’t think he ever gets tackled the first time. I don’t think I’ve seen it.”

Looking at the numbers, Pickens still has a ways to go to be on the level of guys like Metcalf and Lockett, but as Wilson said, the potential certainly exists.

Pickens ranked 23rd in yards after the catch (YAC) in 2023 and 31st in his rookie season. According to Pro Football Focus’ advanced stats (paywall), Pickens forced nine missed tackles in 2023 and eight in 2022.

It’s a brand new season with a brand new quarterback and a brand new play-caller who can put Pickens in a position to rack up that YAC and MTF.