Specifically, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly noted that Pickens has become a “more polished receiver” with an “expanded route tree”, while he labeled Austin’s camp as “probably the most eye-opening” of any Steelers receiver so far.
Despite the positive reports, it’s unlikely that Austin unseats either Pickens or Diontae Johnson for either of the starting receiver positions, but his name will be one to monitor as the preseason wears on. Meanwhile, Pickens - who is the yin to Diontae Johnson’s yang in terms of target earning - would benefit from handling more than jump ball work in the Steelers' offense, and he’s flashed his playmaking ability a few times in camp already so far.
Encouraging reports, to say the least, but we’ll have to see Pickens bump up his target share before we label him as anything higher than an upside WR3.