Steelers WR George Pickens swaps messages with Patrick Surtain III ahead of Broncos matchup

There’s nothing but respect between Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and the guy expected to follow him on Sunday, cornerback Patrick Surtain III.

Pickens and Surtain know each other well from their days at Georgia and Alabama. In his last outing against Surtain in 2020, Pickens was targeted four times for two catches and 21 yards. We all know the pros are a different ballgame, but the matchup will be one to watch, as these two are some of the best at their respective positions.

“I went up against Pat Surtain in college. So, a lot of this stuff isn’t new for me,” Pickens told Steelers reporters on Wednesday. “He’s just a good player. I’m a good player. There’s a lot of good players around the league.”

Pickens knows that no matter Denver’s plan, he has to be himself.

“Just hope they have their plan correct. I don’t really know or care what they’re going to do,” Pickens said.

And good recognize good.

“I think he has elite body control in the air,” Surtain said of Pickens. “He can track the ball well. He has great ball skills. He’s a playmaker, for sure. He’s a great player.”

Surtain is going to present a tough challenge for Pickens, but it’s one that he should be up for.