Carter's Classroom: Can Artie Burns continue to learn on the job?

The myth that rookies cannot thrive in the Steelers' defense was debunked when their first three draft picks received extensive playing time in 2016.

Though Artie Burns was the first round pick, he was the last to grab a regular spot, but that doesn't mean he wasn't ready. He had three interceptions in only three starts during the regular season, flashing the potential to be a shutdown cornerback comfortable working with his back to the quarterback and shadowing his assignment in man coverage.

The task of understanding the different adjustments and pre-snap audibles was the biggest challenge during his rookie season, but Burns was able to show that he had the natural cover skills to make up for any shortcomings.



One thing I really like is how fluidly Burns can transition from reacting to a receiver's route, showing an ability to quickly run stride-for-stride before making a play on the ball.

In just his second start, he matched up with Dez Bryant and was not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the taller Cowboys receiver. Though the pass is completed for 19 yards, watch how tight he runs with Bryant, forcing Dak Prescott to throw a perfect pass near the sideline:



Burns never turns and looks for the ball. He extends his arm to challenge Bryant, but Prescott throws the perfect pass and Bryant makes a spectacular catch. There's nothing to be disappointed with there. Sometimes opponents just make great plays.

But the fact that he was doing that as a rookie is a very good sign. Burns' ability to run with receivers and shadow them like that means that as he continues to work on his craft, he should become more natural and comfortable playing the ball more aggressively in this kind of coverage. That can lead to more interceptions.

Sometimes that can also lead to mistakes and big opportunities for the offense as it did later in that same game.

Watch how Bryant gets separation on Burns for a touchdown in that game; Burns does pretty much the same thing he did in the earlier play in shadowing him well, even recovering from a push-off by Bryant. What gets him beat is that he turns for the ball a tad too early and looks for the back-shoulder pass, pulling him out of position and allowing Bryant to beat him deep:



Burns' aggressive cover instincts led him to go after that back-shoulder pass and allowed Bryant to take the top off the defense.

But this is a very acceptable rookie mistake when watching a young cornerback. It's not something that you look past, but a coach can accept his effort and make it a teachable moment rather than think that he won't grow from plays like that.

Take the very next week as an example. Burns intercepted Cody Kessler on a deep ball to Corey Coleman by remaining in good position throughout the deep route. Burns was able to turn and comfortably look for the ball to make the interception:



Though Kessler throws a bad pass here, Burns is not so far out of position that a better pass leading Coleman to the end zone wouldn't be unchallenged.

Entering his second year should allow him to be more comfortable rotating through the Steelers' defensive scheme and make him less of a liability. Veterans likely won't have to worry about him making necessary adjustments or recognizing pre-snap audibles.

That experience should also allow him to develop the solid coverage skills he displayed in 2016, which could lead to more big plays for the Steelers' defense in 2017.