One of the biggest storylines for the Pittsburgh Steelers is the development of second-year QB Kenny Pickett.
Pickett, who was the only QB selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, did not have a multiple-touchdown passing game last season. He did, however, put together four game-winning drives and three fourth-quarter comebacks during the second half of the NFL season. And Pickett’s arm, a source with knowledge of the situation said, looked noticeably stronger during their OTA practices.
Pickett’s knock in personnel circles coming into last year’s draft was that his arm strength was lacking, so it will be interesting to see what transpires in training camp. The Steelers will be the last team to hold a camp practice this summer (first practice is on Thursday).
Another player the coaches and front office are looking forward to seeing practice is second-year WR Calvin Austin, who missed his entire rookie season due to a serious foot injury (Lisfranc).
Austin, who opened scouts’ eyes during 2022 Senior Bowl week practices, looked all the way back during OTA practices and “clearly is 100 percent,” we’re told. As for his potential role, it could get interesting.
“I can see some (former NFL WR) Percy Harvin in him,” Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield recently told Pro Football Network. “I know (offensive coordinator) Matt Canada’s offense, and he will probably move him around.”
Silverfield was an offensive assistant during part of Harvin’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings and said while “Austin is smaller physically than Harvin, but he can do similar things.”