George Pickens reveals his personal goals for the 2023 season

Coming off a productive rookie season, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens is expecting to emerge as one of the NFL’s best in year two.

Appearing on “The Rich Eisen Show” this past week, Pickens kept it real simple while outlining his personal goals for 2023.

“Pro Bowl, get over 1,000 yards — that’s pretty much it,” Pickens said.

The 2022 second-round pick should have a solid chance at achieving both of his personal milestones, as long as the Steelers’ offense takes a jump in their second season with Kenny Pickett as QB1.

With Pickett under center in 2022 (12 starts), the Steelers ranked 32nd in the NFL in passing yards per attempt. Additionally, Pickett sat 32nd in the league in passer rating and dead last in touchdown-to-interception ratio (among 33 qualified quarterbacks).

The former Georgia standout said last month he expects the offense to be more vertical this season, a welcome change from what was a mostly stagnant offense last season.

“That’s more of an explosive hint,” Pickens said. “Like, we’re gonna probably take more shots this year. Try to mix it up a little bit.”

Enter Pickens — Pittsburgh’s most reliable downfield option. In 17 games during his rookie campaign, Pickens hauled in 52 receptions for 801 yards — an average of 15.4 yards per reception to lead all Steelers pass-catchers.

George Pickens off to solid start in 2023 preseason

His 2023 season got off to a flying start during the 27-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in last Saturday’s preseason opener. On the Steelers’ opening drive from Raymond James Stadium, Pickens hauled in a 33-yard touchdown to give Pittsburgh a 6-0 lead. Pickens’ touchdown grab capped off a masterful 10-play, 83-yard drive from the Steelers’ first-string offense — albeit against the Buccaneers’ second-string defense. Still, it’s precisely what head coach Mike Tomlin wanted to see from his offense in one series of work, and exactly what Pickens promised the offense would look like in 2023.

Pickens’ production in the second preseason game Saturday, a 27-15 victory over the Buffalo Bills, was kept to a minimum. The 22-year-old came down with just one catch for eight yards as others took the opportunity to shine. Pickett completed 3-of-4 passes for 43 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth. On their opening drive, it was running back Jaylen Warren who showcased his wheels, taking a handoff 62 yards for a score.