Steelers’ Patrick Peterson Shares Surprising Opinion on Jefferson-Pickens Comparison

One of former NFL defensive back Ryan Clark’s takes caused uproar among NFL fans on Wednesday after he said he thinks Steelers receiver George Pickens is “much more talented” than Vikings star Justin Jefferson.

So, it was only fitting that reporters asked the opinion of new Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson, who is coming off of two seasons in Minnesota.

“I mean, I could see it,” Peterson said, via Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Christopher Carter. “[Pickens] is very, very raw. He’s very unpredictable when the ball is coming his way as far as his catch ability. ... But, Justin is a savant of the position. Like, he’s really, really in tuned and how to manipulate the defensive back, how to set his routes up. He’s going into year four, [Pickens] is going into Year 2, there’s still some things he wants to get better at. But, the talent? I’ll probably have to agree with Ryan on that.”

Patrick Peterson was asked about Ryan Clark’s comments on #Steelers George Pickens being more talent than Justin Jefferson.

Bottom line, he agreed: pic.twitter.com/E7zaqZuTWw

— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 16, 2023

Peterson has only been on the same sideline as Pickens for a few months as he signed with Pittsburgh in March. Even in that short time, it’s clear he’s been quite impressed with the second-year player.

Clark’s take on Wednesday was definitely bold after Jefferson’s historic season led the league in receiving yards last season with 1,809 yards, the sixth-most all-time. Pickens had a solid rookie season, totaling 801 yards on 52 catches, but while he’s got a ways to go in terms of production, it’s clear those around him think he has the talent to be among one of the league’s best wideouts.