The Steelers have had a reputation for grooming rookies until they can prove they understand all of the nuances of the game before seeing an NFL field. This should come as no shock to Steeler Nation. However, due to the rookie wage scale set up in the newest CBA, it seems to be more imperative to get the most out of a draftee during his rookie contract.

The Steelers made a move from Dick LeBeau to Keith Butler as defensive coordinator partly because his defensive scheme was able to get rookies on the field faster. Still, it should be no surprise that the Steelers will likely use Artie Burns’ rookie season as a redshirt one.

Jim Wexell, who covers the Steelers for scout.com sees things trending this way.

Related 5 keys to a Steelers Super Bowl

Thank you. Burns might be yr away; Hawkins, Feeney, Red probably 2; other 3 might help now. But yes VERY early. https://t.co/66r1RR14W6 — James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 5, 2016

Golson and Davis at this point. https://t.co/ThoB9dSdEy — James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 5, 2016

While he is correct that it is way too early to tell, Burns spending a year as a fourth corner is not the worst thing. To start, since 2000 the Steelers have drafted eight first round defensive players. Only four of them had made a single start as a rookie. Casey Hampton is the only defender to start over eight games for the Steelers as a rookie first round pick. The four who did not start a single game? Troy Polamalu, Lawrence Timmons, Cam Heyward, and Ziggy Hood. 75% hit rate.

On top of that, in the individual case of Burns, he is not ready. It is hard to say that without seeing him on an NFL field, but his college tape agrees. Many scouts and draftniks were quick to bash the pick of Burns. He was rated more as a second round pick because of his raw skills and poor technique

What caught the eye of the Steelers was what could be. He has all of the things that cannot be taught. Speed, size, strength he looks like he can be an NFL cornerback. It is just going to need to take patience.

Related Draftwire says the Steelers reached for Sean Davis

Entering training camp, he is most definitely going to get the chance to earn playing time. Ross Cockrell is not proven and is not locked into a starting spot by any means. Aside from that, he is competing with rookie Sean Davis and Senquez Golson who is technically a rookie as well.

The Steelers are going to have to rely on young talent no matter what. While Burns may not beat out the players selected lower than him for playing time this season, that should not be a reason to hit the panic button. Redshirting would be what is best for Burns. The Steelers drafted Burns for what he can be, and any production coming from his 2016-17 should be looked at as the tip of the iceberg.