LATROBE, Pa. -- Coming out of the NFL Draft, Kenny Pickett was going to steal a lot of the headlines in Pittsburgh. That's completely fair since Pitt's quarterback and Heisman finalist was the team's very first draft pick after Ben Roethlisberger retired.
But, when the Steelers selected George Pickens in the second round -- a man blessed with all of the skills any NFL receiver could ask for -- there was some intrigue that he might be the Steelers' best pick in the draft, or at least the most impactful right away. And, after two weeks of training camp, we're all witnessing why.
We're two weeks into training camp at Saint Vincent College, and it seems like a daily occurrence for Pickens to do something that has reporters and fans alike springing to their Twitter accounts to share the latest highlight-reel play. And Wednesday wasn't any different.
Pickens made a couple nice catches on deep throws down the sideline, including one during Mason Rudolph's crack at the two-minute drill. On both catches, it's easy to see how Pickens is able to use his 6-3 frame to his advantage, then pluck the ball from the air with his strong hands.
But, the highlight of the day -- the type of play that gets fans buying into the growing hype around the rookie receiver -- came immediately after Rudolph's deep throw in the two-minute drill. Rudolph put up a ball for Pickens, who was running a fade to the left side of the end zone. With Levi Wallace draped over him with tight coverage, Pickens jumped up for the ball, wrestled Wallace for the ball, then came down with a one-handed, juggling catch for a touchdown.
Mike Tomlin has been asked about Pickens' growth after the past two practices. Tomlin seldom praises rookies in a formal media gathering, which is why his answer after Tuesday's practice was only six words long:
"He’s continually getting better, he is."
But, after Wednesday's practice, Tomlin gave us a little bit more. He was asked what areas where Pickens can still improve, and it looked like it was going to be another short answer as he responded with, "absolutely everything" before the reporter could finish the question.
Then, after a quick beat, Tomlin chose to go on.
"He’s got talent, but there’s a difference between talent and skill," he elaborated. "And that’s what we’re trying to educate him, and others regarding. God gives them the talent, we develop the skill in settings like this, relative to the positions that they play."
For Tomlin to basically shut down the question one day, then give an answer like that just one day later, that speaks volumes.
Now, Pickens still has to prove himself in a stadium. Even after Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks, we still can't put too much stock in anything until this team begins its regular season schedule on Sept. 11 in Cincinnati. Let's see how the rookie looks facing the defending AFC champions in a game that means something.
However, there is no denying that Pickens' talent is quickly becoming the story of training camp. Can Tomlin, receivers coach Frisman Jackson and Co. help sharpen that talent into an elite NFL receiver? The ceiling is definitely there. In fact, there might not be a ceiling at all. But, the answer to that question won't come until long after the Steelers break camp.
MORE FROM PRACTICE
• With the threat of more storms rolling through the afternoon, the Steelers practice at 10:30 a.m. instead of the scheduled 1:55 p.m. again. Just as he did Tuesday, Tomlin said, "our preference is to work in the afternoon, we just enjoy working in the heat of the day." But, getting to work at a less-than-ideal time is better than no work at all.
• The offense didn't do much throughout practice until Rudolph and Kenny Pickett aced the two-minute drill to wrap up the day (read all about that in our QB tracker). Levi Wallace had some nice plays in coverage, and Delontae Scott had another nice day with the second-team defense.
• Tomlin didn't give any updates on any of the existing injuries, leaving day-to-day players such as Najee Harris (foot), Diontae Johnson (hip), Tyson Alualu (knee), Miles Killebrew (pectoral), Genard Avery (groin), Derek Watt (shoulder), Alex Highsmith (ribs) and Kevin Dotson (ankle) as status quo.
• Marcus Allen (hamstring) and Ulysees Gilbert III (ankle) were not in attendance, and neither were Chase Claypool or Zach Gentry. Claypool had missed some time due to a shoulder injury, but had participated in practice the past couple days. If Claypool doesn't practice again Thursday, we will surely get an update on his status.
It's been reported that the Steelers waived Gilbert with an injury , though the team has not announced it as of Wednesday night.
• Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) participated throughout practice. Definitely a good sign for the tight end group, though Connor Heyward is having himself a pretty impressive camp.
