George Pickens is the clear WR1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in a deal that saw cornerback Donte Jackson head the other way. While Calvin Austin could play a bigger role in 2024 and Van Jefferson could see some targets, Pickens is the receiver fantasy managers should target in the Steel City.
Pittsburgh has not been a very solid investment in WR fantasy terms for a few years, as they struggled offensively under OC Matt Canada for multiple seasons. Even after parting ways with him mid-season in 2023, they never really got going.
A combination of low-confidence quarterbacks, poor game plans and the least expensive offense in the NFL certainly hurt a lot of skill players in fantasy terms, but the good news is that the Steelers are entering a new era.
Their two new QBs, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, are both significant upgrades over Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Arthur Smith at OC should be an improvement over Canada, with Steelers fans growing beyond tired of hearing opposing defenses bragging about knowing the plays before the snap.
The Steelers are making big moves in the offseason and this feels like George Pickens’ time to shine. When it comes to fantasy drafts, it would be a surprise if Pickens wasn’t there in the fourth round, and the later you think you can get him the better. If he makes it to the fifth round, he would represent tremendous value, as he could be one of the top receivers of 2024.
George Pickens’ 2024 NFL fantasy outlook: What numbers to expect from the Steelers WR?
Expect a lot more targets in 2024. With no Diontae Johnson to take target share, George Pickens can take over the WR1 role, in which he showed glimpses of brilliance in 2023. Pickens is clearly an immensely talented receiver and the only criticism leveled at him stems from his temperament.
Often downcast at not being thrown the ball, 2024 should see a vast improvement in that category. Russell Wilson is likely to lead the offense, and he will be looking mostly to Pickens in the same way he did with Courtland Sutton last year at the Denver Broncos.
Pickens came away with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and 5 TDs in 2023 and was a boom-bust for much of the campaign. As a WR1 with better QB play and offensive coordination, expectations are higher in 2024.
It would be reasonable to expect a higher floor throughout the campaign, with those multiple 0.90-7 point weeks (HPPR leagues) turning into 10+ minimum. Considering his elite hands, height (6-foot-3) and decent speed (4.47 40-dash) he could be a nightmare for anyone tasked with single coverage. With that in mind, 1,200 yards and 8 TDs seems a reasonable, albeit slightly generous projection.
You might also like: Diontae Johnson’s fantasy outlook.