Steelers make surprise selections in ESPN's latest two-round mock draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers are armed with three picks inside of the top 50 of this month's NFL Draft. Slated to pick at 17, 32, and 49, Pittsburgh has a real chance to add three starters in a little over two weeks. While corner and offensive tackle are two positions in this mock that Kiper addresses […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are armed with three picks inside of the top 50 of this month's NFL Draft. Slated to pick at 17, 32, and 49, Pittsburgh has a real chance to add three starters in a little over two weeks.
While corner and offensive tackle are two positions in this mock that Kiper addresses in round two, it's his pick in round one that may have some fans clapping with others left shaking their head.
Let's take a look at Mel Kiper's selections and reasoning:
Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College (17)
Flowers is the human version of dynamite with the ball in his hands.
His ability to create yards after the catch is uncanny and he presents a well-rounded skillset despite a smaller frame.
Kiper said the following when mocking Flowers to the Steelers at 17:
This is around where we could see a run on receivers. Flowers is actually my top-ranked wideout. I love his explosion and ability after the catch, said Kiper. Pittsburgh's wideouts had just five touchdown receptions last season, which ranked last in the league. The 5-9 Flowers is a dynamo out of the slot, but he had plenty of grabs lined up outside too. He could be a nice fit with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Quarterback Kenny Pickett had a special connection with former Pitt teammate Jordan Addison, but I think Flowers would be the better pick for the Steelers.
While there are certainly more pressing needs on the Steelers draft board, having three viable pass catchers is a must in the modern NFL so this pick will receive little pushback from me.
Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma (32)
Harrison is a linear tackle with above-average athleticism and the ability to protect against both speed and power rushers.
When discussing why Kiper sees Harrison as a Steeler he said:
This would be great value for Harrison, a smooth pass protector who started 24 games at left tackle in college, said Kiper. Dan Moore Jr. started there for the Steelers last season and he ranked 34th among all tackles in pass block win rate. Harrison could compete with Moore from Day 1, but he also could beat out Chukwuma Okorafor on the right side.
Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State (49)
Brents presents rare size and particularly length at corner, with unheard-of 34' arms and a 6'3 frame.
His long speed is still adequate though and evident by the above rep, he has no issues clicking and closing, showing the necessary fluidity to play tight man coverage or zone turn in the short areas of the field.
Kiper described Brents's fit with the Steelers, saying:
I filled Pittsburgh's hole at wideout in Round 1, which means it should focus on the secondary here, said Kiper. The 6-foot-3 Brents could learn the ropes from veteran Patrick Peterson in Pittsburgh. Brents has stellar length and will wrap up in the run game. He tested extremely well at the combine.
If Pittsburgh can manage to select these three in the draft, Steelers fans would be thrilled once the season rolled around.
