Steelers bolster WR group, add George Pickens in Round 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia wide receiver George Pickens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 52 overall.

Pickens missed the majority of Georgia's 2021 campaign due to an ACL tear but returned down the stretch. He finished the season with five catches for 107 yards, including a 52-yard reception in the national championship game.

The Steelers need reinforcements in their receiving corps after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Washington, and Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency.

Pittsburgh went offense with each of its first two picks, taking Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round.

Scouting profile: George Pickens

Pickens looked the part of a No. 1 receiver before an ejection/suspension and multiple injuries, including a torn ACL in March of 2021, cost him time over the last two years. Although he wasn't the same when he returned from knee surgery, the 21-year-old showed determination by working his way back and suiting up late in the season. Prior to that, he broke out as a true freshman and natural athlete known for hauling in acrobatic contested catches. He played with a competitive mindset, even while sometimes lacking the strength to back it up. If he's going to excel as a pro, which we expect he will, Pickens needs to add some muscle and prove he's overcome the knee issue.