Steelers Sights and Sounds: Kenny Pickett Throws to Steve Smith

UNITY TWP., Pa. — Kenny Pickett and the Steelers welcomed a special guest to training camp on Wednesday, and that would be NFL Network analyst and former Ravens and Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. Smith was embroiled in the mid-2010s Steelers-Ravens games, but today, Smith was out there to help the team as a ball boy and to give advice.

Kenny Pickett and the quarterbacks threw plenty of balls his way. And Smith was seen mentoring Pickett on some things as well. Plenty of teammates have already praised Pickett for his leadership, but his on-field ability has gotten a lot of praise, too. Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin, and other receivers are starting to deepen or develop a connection with Pickett heading into the season. But the main objective still remains to have Pickett make that leap to ensure the team’s future at the most important position.

Meanwhile, the wide receiver room has some serious turnover. Certain new players such as Allen Robinson II and Hakeem Butler are guys that have certain expectations for the team and want to reset those expectations right away. Robinson is a veteran leader who looks to lead some of the younger players in the receiving room. In tandem with the other weapons, they hope this is the year that the offense really takes a massive leap. The tight ends could be a massive factor in that for the Steelers, along with a running back room that has plenty of depth.