Steelers Daily Links: George Pickens Ties Record, Ryan Shazier Gives Back

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens ties an NFL rookie record, while Ryan Shazier is giving back.

 George Pickens has 17 contested catches as a rookie, tying DK Metcalf for the most since Pro Football Focus began tracking that statistic in 2016.

 There’s a new NFL Network documentary on the life of former Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Ryan Shazier: Man on a Mission

How the former @steelers LB has dedicated his life to giving back and changing the lives of others. 🙏@RyanShazier | @NFLGameDay pic.twitter.com/KvOjjD5PfT

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) December 24, 2022

 Watch Mike Tomlin talk to his offense before and after the final game-winning drive against the Raiders, courtesy of NFL Films.

A "grow-up" moment for Mike Tomlin and the @Steelers on Christmas Eve 💪@InsideTheNFL pic.twitter.com/x6ZYdJG8Ca

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 27, 2022

📅 On this date in 1922, former Steelers end Elbie Nickel was born in Fullerton, Kentucky. The Steelers 17th-round pick in the 1947 NFL Draft and played 11 seasons for the Steelers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1952, 1953 and 1956 seasons. His 329 career receptions remains second in team history behind Heath Miller. Nickel was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2019. Nickel died at the age of 84 in 2007.

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STEELERS DRAFT DIGEST

Penn State TE Brenton Strange has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he announced on Tuesday. Strange will play in the Rose Bowl. In 2022, he caught three touchdowns along with 362 yards on 32 catches. In a deep tight end class, Stange’s athleticism will have to stand out, but since he is a flex tight end, that could very well happen.

Two Clemson Tigers declared for the 2023 NFL Draft in tight end Davis Allen and offensive tackle Jordan McFadden, they announced on Tuesday. McFadden was a first-team All-ACC pick in 2022, helping lead the Tigers’ offensive line on the season. He should be a mid-round pick. Allen hauled in 35 catches for 394 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

In the Draft Network’s latest 2023 NFL Mock Draft, the Steelers land Georgia OT Broderick Jones. Arguably the best left tackle in the class, Jones is an older, but polished prospect that the Steelers could slot right into their team. In the second round, they selected Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents and Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr.

STEELERS SCHEDULE

 The team will return to practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex at 12:15 p.m. — Nick Farabaugh, Alan Saunders

AROUND THE NETWORK

 Pitt OC Frank Cignetti has some history with the Sun Bowl.

 The Penguins were awful in a 5-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

 Could former Steelers WR Ryan Switzer be the next West Virginia wide receivers coach?

 Penn State alum Saquon Barkley is a frontrunner for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

 The Pirates have agreed to a contract with 42-year old lefty Rich Hill.