Mike Tomlin reveals what stood out about George Pickens among draft class

Mike Tomlin is hopeful to have drafted another star receiver in George Pickens. The Pittsburgh Steelers coach has struck gold in the past with names such as Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool.

So when Mike Tomlin selected George Pickens No. 52 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it naturally came with increased expectations for the Georgia product. The Steelers coach made a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show to address those expectations, as well as what he liked about Pickens coming out of college.

“First, we acknowledge that they come in all shapes and sizes, and they do at that position probably more than any other,” Tomlin said. “Then you’re looking for distinguishing traits, and he has that. He’s a big guy — 6’3″-plus — with little guy body control. His ability to change direction, his ability to stop and start, (and) his ability to drop his weight is like that of a much smaller man. That was the trait that really attracted us to him. He’s got easy hand-eye ball skills and obviously that’s a major component of the position as well.”

Although a torn ACL took away most of Pickens’ season last year, the star wide receiver made an impressive return from the injury quicker than anyone could’ve imagined. The former Bulldogs pass catcher played in the final four games of the season, including the College Football Playoff Championship, where he hauled in a huge 52-yard reception that gave Georgia momentum against Alabama.

In his three seasons with the Bulldogs, Pickens accumulated 1,347 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He culminated his college career by helping leading the Bulldogs to a victory in the national title against the Crimson Tide, their first since 1980.

In addition to Pickens, the Steelers also selected former Memphis receiver Calvin Austin III in the fourth round. The pair are set to join a receiving corps that still includes both Johnson and Claypool after Smith-Schuster and James Washington left in free agency. Following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger this offseason, Pittsburgh will also have a new quarterback in either rookie Kenny Pickett, free agent signee Mitch Trubisky, or returning backup Mason Rudolph.

Whomever ends up being the signal caller can rest assured knowing the future at receiver is bright thanks to the selections of Pickens this offseason.