George Pickens' fantasy outlook: is he a good pick?

George Pickens' fantasy owners would have watched Chase Claypool's trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Chicago Bears with interest. The move had a murky effect on Claypool's fantasy outlook but a more pronounced one on several other players, including Pickens. Claypool's targets (15.7% of Kenny Pickett's passing attempts) will be distributed among Pat Freiermuth, Diontae Johnson, and George Pickens.

Pickens' stock had been going up as the season progressed and has just risen even further. Although Claypool's departure means Pickens may receive increased targets, it doesn't elevate him to the top tier of fantasy wide receivers. The move does signal that the Steelers are ready to offer Pickens an expanded role in their offense, which can only be good news.

In last weekend's 35-13 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, George Pickens did not manage to catch any of his three targets. Pickens was kept quiet in the rout and could not impact the game in any form. Before facing the New Orleans Saints in Week 10, the rookie will have a bye week in Week 9.

George Pickens could see a marked improvement in the second half of the 2022 NFL season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Pittsburgh Steelers

George Pickens pulled in the lone touchdown in Week 7 and put together a good six catches from six targets for 61 yards. The young wide receiver should show real promise going forward. The Steelers will need to throw him the ball as he has already shown that he can grab nearly anything thrown in his direction. This is a significant step forward for Pickens, who may have one of the best second halves among rookies this campaign.

Pickens was on the pitch for 86% of Pittsburgh's offensive plays in Week 8, but he went the entire game without catching a pass. However, after Kenny Pickett was designated the Steelers' starting quarterback for the past two weeks, Pickens' performances have improved. Thus far, Pickens has recorded 26 receptions for 338 yards and one touchdown.

With Claypool gone, Pickens is now a player that could start for you regardless of his matchup. With the Steelers trailing in a lot of games this season, they are throwing the ball often. If Kenny Pickett can be more careful with the ball, Pickens should see a marked increase in targets and receptions.

If you are thinking of trading George Pickens, it is worth waiting a few weeks until you get a good measure of his worth in the post-Claypool regime. Whatever you do, don't cut Pickens. The rookie could yet turn into a dependable earner for your fantasy team or be valuable capital in a trade.