The ratings for the wide receivers and safeties in Madden NFL 25 were revealed on Monday, and EA Sports did George Pickens pretty dirty with an 83 overall rating. Tied for 33rd-best in the NFL among wide receivers.
In the game, Pickens has a 91 speed rating, a 61 strength, 90 agility, 96 jump, 85 injury prevention, 86 stamina, and 91 spectacular catch.
EA Sports also gave the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver corps poor ratings, which makes sense since their deemed as one of the worst groups in the NFL by many outlets. Calvin Austin has a 73 overall rating, but 95 speed. Following Austin was Quez Watkins (72 overall), Marquez Callaway (71 overall), Roman Wilson (71 overall), Scotty Miller (71 overall ), Van Jefferson (71 overall) and Dez Fitzpatrick (66 overall).
With Arthur Smith as the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator and Russell Wilson/Justin Fields at quarterback, this could be the year where Pickens truly breaks out and solidifies himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league.
Pickens caught 52 passes for 801 yards and four scores in his rookie season in 2022. Last season, he elevated his game with 63 receptions for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. Pickens’ 18.1 average per reception led the league last season.
Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni believes Pickens’ ceiling is unlimited.
“He just has to pick it up and take the cheese and do the things we ask him to do,” Azzanni said at minicamp. “He can to anything he wants. He’s that talented. Ray Charles can see that, you don’t need to be a coach. We know that’s out there for him if he wants it.”
Pickens got into a heated exchange with Azzanni at training camp on Thursday, but it’s all water under the bridge now. Pickens will have to remain discipline and keep his cool this season if he wants to reach his full potential.
Pickens has worked on adding to his game as a route runner and diversifying his route tree in game situations this offseason. It’s also expected that he’ll get more work in the slot.
“I worked on quicker routes,” Pickens said. “You know, I feel like I’m already dominant at the line, so it’s about getting quicker, really.”
If all the pieces fall in the right place, Pickens could become the first Steelers’ wide receiver to earn All-Pro accolades since Antonio Brown in 2017.