Last season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens led the NFL with an impressive 18.1 yards per reception. He epitomized the concept of a deep threat. Just as he was the worst in the league in getting separation, he also had the best hands in the NFL to win on all those contested catches downfield.

This season the Steelers have a brand new offense under OC Arthur Smith and it is going to run through the rushing attack. But this hasn't diminished Pickens' enthusiasm for how explosive the offense can be and his role in it.

Pickens talked after Saturday practice and he gushed about Smith's system and despite it being run first, can be what Pickens called "super explosive".

Where Pickens has a chance to shine in this offense is via play-action passing. Smith's offense is going to run a very efficient, simplified rushing attack to wear down defenses and force the safeties up into the box.

Then, when the Steelers go to play action it will give Pickens some great opportunities in single coverage. Pickens might not catch as many passes as he did last season but he could have an even higher yards per reception as the top deep threat in the league.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers WR George Pickens on the potential of the new offense: 'Super explosive'