Artie Burns discusses the difference between his rookie year and this year, and of course his battles with Antonio Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 first round draft pick dealt with his share of adversity his rookie season. Injured in training camp, having to wait for his chance to play, and inconsistency following once he became the entrenched starter.

All of that is in the past for Artie Burns as he now turns his focus to the 2017 season, one where there is no question whether he will be able to play, but starts the season as the starting outside cornerback.

Despite knowing the job is his to lose, Burns still has plenty to prove every day the team practices at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. The biggest challenge? Try covering Antonio Brown every single rep of every single practice. Yeah, it will make him a better cornerback, but it has to be a grind, both physically and mentally.

Burns took the time to talk to Steelers.com about the difference in his rookie season to this year, covering Brown on a daily basis and just how good this Steelers defense can be. You can watch the entire interview below as Burns prepares to be the closest thing the Steelers have had to a shut-down cornerback since Ike Taylor’s prime years.