The NFL preseason already has a huge winner: Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.

The No. 50 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia has been wowing his teammates – as well as NFL observers – with his play during the preseason and training camp. Yes, the caveat exists that it is still very much preseason and nothing matters until Week 1, but the reports from those who watch him every day have been glowing.

“He’s a freak, that’s what he is,” fellow Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson said told reporters, to laughter. “That’s a special talent, you can’t teach some of the things he does. I just be watching like, man, I be amazed at how he catches the ball sometimes. He’s young. He’s getting better on the daily.”

Pickens caught a beautiful, toe-tapping touchdown pass in the Steelers’ preseason opener against the Seahawks, getting both feet inbounds as he secured the ball in the corner of the end zone. He was PFF’s highest graded offensive rookie in that game.

Again, the caveat remains that it’s the preseason. But the Steelers have been known to churn out talent at the wide receiver position – Johnson, Chase Claypool, Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant – and Pickens feels like he’s the next man up.

He was always considered an excellent player – he was named the 2020 Sugar Bowl MVP as a freshman – and a top draft prospect, but a torn ACL suffered in Georgia’s spring practice hurt his stock. He made it back on the field by the end of the Bulldogs’ 2021 season, but he only caught five passes in four games.

The injury, as well as vague character concerns that followed him throughout the pre-draft process, dropped him to the second round. But the Steelers took a swing, and the early returns are positive.

One more time: it’s the preseason. Nothing matters until meaningful football is played. But if he keeps it up, many teams could regret passing on the 21-year-old.