Show Navigation
Show Menu

Shark Bites

Steelers beat writer Chris Adamski believes WR George Pickens is in position to play a “significant role” by the end of the 2022 season. Patience might be key here, as he's coming off a March 2021 ACL tear. (Pickens, however, managed to appear in 4 games with Georgia last year.) While his size (6’3, 200), speed (4.47 forty) and early breakout age (18.5) signal a potential difference-maker, targets will be tough to earn early on. Current 2022 WR projections have him down for 63 targets.

Recent Shark Bites

Steelers WR George Pickens caught 4 of 6 targets for 83 yards and a TD in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. He had 2 other targets wiped out by penalties, 1 an offensive hold and the other a defensive PI. Pickens also dropped a 2nd-half deep ball that would have added significant yardage to his line. WR Diontae Johnson matched Pickens' 4 catches but tallied just 21 yards. Next comes a potential pass-funnel matchup with the Colts and then the soft Atlanta defense.

ESPN's Brooke Pryor says the Steelers are "likely to push the ball down the field more than in recent years." That would obviously be good for the fantasy football upside for everyone in the passing game (except maybe RB Najee Harris), but it would be an especially positive development for rookie WR George Pickens and 3rd-year WR Chase Claypool. Pickens has generated seemingly nonstop buzz in camp, while Claypool has displayed his downfield talent through 2 pro seasons. Both look attractive in reserve territory of fantasy football drafts.

"If the first three practices are any indication, George Pickens is going to be a huge factor in this [Steelers] offense," ESPN's Brooke Pryor tweeted on Friday. It reads a little hyperbolic, but Pickens has been creating consistent buzz from multiple Steelers beat writers early in camp. And we loved him as a prospect, so we wouldn't be surprised to see him make a significant rookie-year impact. Highlight Pickens as an intriguing late-round flier in fantasy drafts.

Steelers beat writer Chris Adamski described WR George Pickens as the “clear WR3” early in training camp. As expected. Pickens’ raw talent has flashed early on, but it’ll likely take something close to a flawless performance over the coming weeks to overtake Chase Claypool. Pickens remains an intriguing redraft stash and best ball flier.

Steelers OC Matt Canada commented on rookie WR George Pickens. “He can go down the field, he can make plays, he goes up and gets the football… we were impressed with his hands -- all those things you like about a wideout,” Canada said. “But I think probably for me sitting here, I think that [returning from a torn ACL late last season] said a lot about his character. He wanted to be part of that team, he wanted to be part of that championship and he fought to come back.” Pickens declared himself 100% healthy earlier this month. His 2022 path to targets isn’t clear, but it's easy to see him carving out a decent-sized role as the season develops. He’s currently our WR90 in redraft.

Related Fantasy Football

Anthony Richardson Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

Anthony Richardson Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

10:15am EDT 3/31/23

Anthony Richardson's dynasty fantasy football value includes a wide range of outcomes. Here's why you should chase the ceiling ...

Read More »
2023 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft #1

2023 Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft #1

3:43pm EDT 3/30/23

It all starts with Bijan Robinson this year. But once he's gone, what else should happen in your dynasty rookie draft? Six of us got together to map it out ... and some of the picks may surprise you.

Read More »
The Case for Zach Evans

The Case for Zach Evans

3:40pm EDT 3/30/23

Zach Evans has been a polarizing player for early dynasty fantasy football rankings. C.H. Herms is a fan, and here's why ...

Read More »
Jayden Reed Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

Jayden Reed Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

12:19pm EDT 3/29/23

Jayden Reed proved more steady than flashy in college. Does that mean a low ceiling for his dynasty fantasy football value?

Read More »
Devon Achane Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

Devon Achane Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

9:53am EDT 3/29/23

Devon Achane is speed. But there's more that makes his dynasty value so attractive. C.H. Herms digs into the interesting background and exciting outlook ...

Read More »
Michael Mayer Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

Michael Mayer Dynasty Fantasy Football Value

12:15pm EDT 3/27/23

Michael Mayer boasts high-end production and pro polish. Call it a strong starting point for his dynasty fantasy football value.

Read More »
2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings

2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings

11:28am EDT 3/27/23

How is this year's rookie class shaping up ahead of the NFL Draft? Check out the Draft Shark crew's overall dynasty rookie rankings for 1-Quarterback leagues.

Read More »

Dominate your Fantasy League with

the Ultimate Tool Stack

In the heat of a draft, you want as much intel as possible. The key is integrating that into one simple, powerful tool.

Dominate your Fantasy League with

the Ultimate Tool Stack

In the heat of a draft, you want as much intel as possible. The key is integrating that into one simple, powerful tool.
3D Projections

3D Projections

3D Projections: True Dimension of Every Player’s Potential

Based on our award-winning projections, an axis of data points give insights far deeper than a ranking

View Our Accuracy Awards View Our Accuracy Awards »

Advice Draft Strategy

Advice That’s Actionable on Draft Day

Round-by-Round Draft Strategy Guides, Sleepers, Undervalued Players, Busts and Handcuffs

3D Projections

Draft War Room

Draft War Room: Intel Turned Into Killer Picks

Command your entire draft with a dynamic tool synced to your league. Updating and adapting in real time.

3D Projections

Keep Dominating Throughout The Season

Quickly find the free-agent gems, pull the trigger on the perfect trade & make the right start/sit decisions.

Keep Dominating
Draft Sharks

$6/month thereafter, billed semi-annually, one-click cancel anytime.

Turn your phone into a draft weapon with our FREE APP

Download on the App Store Get It on Google Play