Steelers rewarded for going flashy in ESPN's 3-round mock draft
Offensive tackle and cornerback have been labeled the two most likely positions the Pittsburgh Steelers will end up targeting early in the upcoming NFL Draft. Opting for premium positions is never a foolish way to go. What does an alternate path in the first round look like? Cornerback is a deep position in this class, […]
Offensive tackle and cornerback have been labeled the two most likely positions the Pittsburgh Steelers will end up targeting early in the upcoming NFL Draft. Opting for premium positions is never a foolish way to go.
What does an alternate path in the first round look like? Cornerback is a deep position in this class, and the top four offensive tackles may end up going before the Steelers are on the clock at 17th overall?
The ESPN NFL Draft duo of Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay ventured into these waters with the Steelers in their back-and-forth three-round mock draft, opting to go with two different positions for the Steelers' first two picks.
At pick No. 17, a surprise selection of Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers was made by Kiper Jr. Even after the Allen Robinson trade was announced, Kiper stood by his pick, saying the need for a shifty slot receiver still persisted.
"The Steelers are adding Allen Robinson via trade, but he's a much different receiver than Flowers. This deal doesn't change Pittsburgh's need, and I could see it still adding Flowers here." – Kiper Jr. on Flowers' fit with Pittsburgh
The second round is where the Steelers really reaped the benefits of how the board fell between Kiper Jr. and McShay. Alabama all-purpose defensive back Brian Branch became the 32nd overall pick, and Pittsburgh finally found its left tackle of the future in Oklahoma's Anton Harrison, should he win the battle with incumbent starter Dan Moore Jr.
"Harrison could immediately challenge Dan Moore Jr. for the starting left tackle spot." – Kiper Jr. on adding Harrison to the Steeler's o-line
Adding Branch and Harrison to fill immediate needs while elevating the offense with Flowers would be a tremendous start to the Steelers' draft class. Trading for Robinson does make drafting a first-round receiver in a relatively weak class less likely, but Flowers' long-term value makes him a worthwhile investment.
