So far, the general consensus this offseason has been that Steelers receiver George is primed for a breakout season. In the fantasy football world, Pickens has proven to be as valuable as any player at any position in the NFL.
Pickens was named as one of three receivers on Heath Cummings' latest fantasy football article for CBS Sports, "Breakouts 2.0". Cummings noted that Pickens accounted for the majority of the team's receiving yards while averaging more than 18 yards per reception. He also mentioned that the arrival of Russell Wilson and new coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme can only lead to more performance.
" If you're thinking in your head "Yeah, but Arthur Smith" know that Smith's Falcons threw the ball more than the Steelers did last year and that Pickens' offensive coordinator last year was Matt Canada. Want to talk about upside? In four games without Johnson last year, Pickens was on pace for 72 catches for 1,517 yards and that doesn't include his top two yardage games last year. Top 12 is not out of consideration, especially if Russell Wilson keeps throwing touchdowns at a high rate."
Given that the Steelers still lack a viable WR2, one may expect an increase in targets for Pickens. Furthermore, if Smith's offense is capable of producing a more potent ground offense, that will only increase Pickens' opportunities to produce on the outside.
Last season, Pickens finished with 76 catches for 1,144 yards and five total touchdowns.
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