For the second time in his pro career, Kenny Pickett on Tuesday took to the field for the first team drills of a new season.

This time, though, differed markedly from the first for Pickett, who last year at this time was a freshly drafted rookie taking third-string reps.

On the sun-splashed fields of UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday, Pickett was the unquestioned starter — and leader — of the offense on the first day of Pittsburgh Steelers organized team activities.

“Since I first got here, (I have been) really mastering the offense and being that extension of the coaching staff, and I can echo things to how I want it and how I like it,” Pickett said after the late-morning session.

“I think communication is No. 1 for someone in my position and letting people know where they need to be. These guys are all professionals, and they show up and they work hard. So it’s a great group to be around. Like I keep saying, ‘It’s a good first day, and a lot to build on.’ ”

That final cliche made Pickett sound like every bit the seasoned veteran that, say, Ben Roethlisberger or Mitch Trubisky was when he was the QB1 for the Steelers.

Pickett remains two weeks shy of his 25th birthday. But after starting 12 of the Steelers’ final 13 games last season — winning five of his final six starts — and inching the Steelers within a game of a playoff berth as a rookie, it’s obvious Pickett has earned the respect of teammates as he heads into Year 2.

“He’s been a (heck) of a leader this whole offseason,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “Getting guys together, having meetings with the guys, he’s been great. He’s the type of guy you want to play hard for and play with, and we are all excited for his development and we’re all excited to look to him as a leader.”

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Pickett insisted he did everything he could to master the offense, which maintains continuity with the return of coordinator Matt Canada, the top two wide receivers, top three tight ends and top two running backs from last season.

“He’s really getting a hold of this offense,” said Trubisky, a seven-year NFL veteran who last summer was all but cemented as the starting quarterback but this year is a clear No. 2.

“When you go from Year 1 to Year 2 and you’re in the same system, you like to think you’re steps ahead from last year. (Pickett will) continue to progress, continue to pick up on the little things, and this offense is going to continue to evolve.

“It’s going to take all 11 guys, and I think Kenny is leading the charge.”

Mitch Trubisky could have played out the final year of his contract and then used free agency to find a team willing to let him compete for a starting QB position.

Instead, he accepted a 2 year extension that will keep him with the Steelers through 2025. https://t.co/brZ9KjqLYm

— Tribune-Review Sports (@TribSports) May 23, 2023

Appearing slightly more muscular in his upper body, Pickett said one of his offseason priorities was to gain weight to better handle the rigors of an NFL season. Twice in 12 starts, Pickett was forced out of games (he missed another entirely) because of concussion protocol after absorbing hits.

Listed at 220 pounds, Pickett said he finished last season at 213 but is at 226 now.

“The hits up here are just a little bit different over a longer period of time,” said Pickett, acknowledging a 20-game NFL season (including the preseason) differs significantly from the 12-game regular season he was accustomed to in college. “So being able to withstand hits, and if need be, deliver some hits if I have to go score, whatever it may be.”

Quarterbacks doing things at Steelers OTAs pic.twitter.com/jJ29H0S4MQ

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 23, 2023

Physical size. Mental aptitude gained only through experience. Banked chemistry established with teammates. A stronger handle on the playbook after 13 months of immersion in it.

There’s myriad justification to believe Pickett is poised to take the next step as a second-year NFL quarterback.

Tuesday was his first chance in a formal team setting to show his tangible progress.

“I don’t think you ever stop mastering a system,” Pickett said. “I think you can always add things or take things out or make things better. So I think I’m on the right track to doing that, and we’re headed that way, but I think it’s definitely a process.”

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