Steelers news: Sit down, son! George Pickens completes crazy one-handed catch over Joey Porter Jr.
Pittsburgh Steelers wideout George Pickens is outdoing himself in training camp this season.
Known for his big talk and bravado as much as his on-field skills, Pickens may have just won "Catch of the Summer" with his latest acrobatic stunt. During a 1-on-1 drill against cornerback Joey Porter Jr. earlier this week, Pickens leapt and cradled the ball with his right hand, bringing it in and cushioning it as he fell on the ground.
It's the stuff that makes fans go wild and coaches nod with appreciation.
Take a look below.
Week 3 from the 2022 season, anybody? Making spectacular catches is Pickens' forte.
The second-year threat caught the ball in tight coverage, too. There really wasn't much else Porter could have done short of committing a penalty.
Steelers fans are well-acquainted with Pickens' agility and grippy hands from watching film of his days at Georgia. The 2022 second-rounder recorded 52 catches for 801 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season and appears primed for a breakout campaign this year.
If Pickett can throw it, Pickens can catch it.
Steelers news: Darnell Washington makes a ferocious impact at start of camp
Watch out Pat — rookie tight end Darnell Washington is bursting onto the scene at camp.
The 93rd overall pick was widely hailed as a steal despite his positional switch; Washington formerly played as an offensive tackle before switching to tight end. Naturally, his blocking skills carried over, and Washington is currently touted to be one of the squad's most versatile key pieces in 2023.
The former Georgia Bulldog looms over others at 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds, but his size and strength only adds to his advantage. Washington was spotted making an impressive catch in the end zone on Wednesday, easily blowing past a defender and then executing a dainty toe-tap as he secured the catch.
Here's what Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh wrote of Washington:
The massive tight end made the leaping touchdown in seven shots, but his blocking is ferocious. The Steelers run to his side more often than not and somehow, the defensive end is moved out of the gap and there is somewhere for that running back to go.
Farabaugh also noted that Washington worked in some 12-personnel sets with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, which suggests that the Steelers could employ both pass-catching threats on the field come September.
Washington did, after all, spend an entire collegiate career up against essentially the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive line. It should come as little surprise that the massive tight end can give even the most experienced defenders a run for their money.
Steelers news: Free agent corner Isaiah Dunn could replace Cory Trice
The Steelers got one of the worst news stories of the offseason when rookie Cory Trice went down with a season-ending injury this week.
However, Pittsburgh may already have Trice's replacement waiting in the wings: free agent Isaiah Dunn.
With an extra roster spot to fill in a crowded position, the Steelers officially signed Dunn on Wednesday, who will look to immediately compete for a depth role.
The 24-year-old corner has played 17 games in his two years in the league; he first joined the Jets as a UDFA, where he played with fellow Steelers defender Elijah Riley. Then, he spent a year with Seattle but failed to earn a starting job.
With Trice on injured reserve, Pittsburgh's depth behind Joey Porter, Levi Wallace, and Patrick Peterson has somewhat thinned.
Dunn now will battle incumbent James Pierre for a backup duties, and he also will compete against unproven guys like Chris Wilcox, Madre Harper, and Luq Barcoo.
His familiarity with Riley, as well as Najee Harris, could give Dunn an edge this August; whoever, getting signed is only the first part of the challenge. Earning his teammates' and coaches' trust will be crucial in these next few days.
