by Bo Marchionte

Pittsburgh – The last time media entered the sacred sanctum of an NFL locker room was at the conclusion of 2019 season. Shortly after that the Covid-19 pandemic struck and shutdown the privileged opportunity to frequent the locker room.

So, when the Steelers allowed media back into the locker room after the conclusion of the team’s first OTA session, the fantastic sense of normalcy began to set in. It is an opportunity to grab a one-on-one interview.

Something exclusive.

A deeper broader menu for readers to get the pulse inside the Steelers facility on the southside of Pittsburgh.

One player that appeared quicker and more explosive was receiver Steven Sims.

“Just taking it one day at a time,” said Sims.

Undrafted out of Kansas, in 2019, Sims knows that these precious OTA sessions are the lifeline to him remaining active in the NFL.

“Focus on the playbook and getting better,” said Sims. “Treat every year like my rookie season. I’m undrafted.”

Sims appeared in one game last season against Detroit and played just five snaps on the entire 2021 season. However, he had some modest production during his rookie season in Washington. He started two games and finished with four touchdowns.

So, it was refreshing to see Sims looking so precise in his routes. Crisp cuts and clearly displaying a burst off the top of his routes.

“I got on the track a little bit more,” said Sims. “Me and Najee (Harris) were down in Houston. We were on the track running with Coach Will (Collins) of Fast University in Houston.”

The work in Houston is evident in watching Sims zip around the field. The additional experience has positioned himself nicely to remain a factor throughout training and beyond.

“That was something extra,” said Sims of hitting the track. “Outside of running routes, lifting and things like that.

“Also work on my technique more than my speed. It starts with your technique. I been working on picking my knees up and dropping my foot straight down. I feel a little quicker. I might got a extra little step (laughing with a wink) now.”

The extra step is evident.

Sims isn’t lone benefactor of the track work.

“I see it in Najee for sure,” said Sims. “I see it in Najee every time he takes off with burst.”

Sims and Harris are two Steelers that have used the off-season to improve their games for this upcoming season.

Sims is facing a crowded and talented receiving unit in Pittsburgh, but it should go noted his hardwork is paying off thus far in OTA’s