Steelers minicamp: What lessons has Teryl Austin learned from 2023? | George Pickens in the slot?

North Shore Drive podcast - Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more

On the Friday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Mike's Beer Bar, host Christopher Carter welcomes Post-Gazette Steelers insider Brian Batko to react to DC Teryl Austin's news conference this week. What lessons did Austin learn from 2023 that he's applying to 2024, specifically in deploying safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick and Damontae Kazee? How have the acquisitions of free agents and draftees including DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cam Sutton and others all helped free Fitzpatrick up to better play a centerfield role? And what kind of chemistry will Queen and Elliott bring to this defense collectively after moving here from the Baltimore Ravens?

Our duo tackles those topics, then discusses the receivers. How much might new OC Arthur Smith use George Pickens in the slot this season? Why does receivers coach Zach Azzanni believe Calvin Austin III is ready to make a big leap? And is there still a chance that GM Omar Khan may make a move for a bonafide No. 2 receiver like Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers?

Finally, Andrew Destin joins the show to recap the Pirates' series loss against the St. Louis Cardinals and preview their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.