PITTSBURGH -- Martavis Bryant heard Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin yell "big person with little person skills" after a catch during Monday's practice that required him to lean down and adjust to a football.

Bryant already has the Steelers' attention after averaging 21.1 yards per catch as a rookie in 2014. But he's trying to place more eyes on him with a productive offseason that included 10 pounds of added weight and his workout to enhance his footwork, a little person drill.

"Running routes in the sand," Bryant said. "The beach, the sand pit, wherever."

Many receivers employ this routine, Bryant said, but he's used it extensively this offseason to improve mobility he said was lacking early in his playing days.

"I used to not be that way," Bryant said. "I used to be just big."

He's more than that, now. Bryant's imprint on organized team activities with athleticism and speed has been obvious, as has potential starting slot receiver Markus Wheaton. If Bryant can be a reliable No. 2 receiver, the offense falls into place because Wheaton can take the slot and backups Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey provide depth.