We’re now just over two weeks away from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. With free agency essentially complete, the attention shifts fully towards the draft now. It's an important one in the "rebuild" of this roster, as the front office will look to cap off an incredible free agency. As of now though, the postseason seems to be a certain expectation for fans.
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Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers reacts after scoring a touchdown.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper has been a draft expert with the program since 1984. He's built a credible name in the game of football, but his most recent mock draft may have Steelers fans raising their eyebrows. Beginning with the 17th overall pick in the ESPN+ article, Kiper has the Steelers taking Zay Flowers out of Boston College, one of the top wideouts in this year’s relatively weak class.
"Flowers is actually my top-ranked wideout. I love his explosion and ability after the catch. The 5'9" Flowers is a dynamo out of the slot, but he had plenty of grabs lined up outside too. 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."
Flowers and the Steelers haven't been connected too much in the pre-draft process, despite the team's need in a wideout still. He enjoyed a successful four-year collegiate career, capped off by a career-best year in 2022. In 12 games, Flowers had 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns. Even better, he plays best in the slot, the obvious weakness and missing link of the Steelers' receiving group.
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Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is regarded as the best WR in the 2023 class, but he likely won't make it to the Steelers at 17.
The talented wideout tested quite well at the NFL Combine as well, including a 4.42 40-yard dash. Just on Monday, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy tweeted that several executives only have one wideout with a first-round grade in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Flowers feels like a guy the team could scoop up with the 32nd pick if they really liked him, as they have several other key needs to address at 17.
Could Oklahoma's Harrison be Steelers' long-term choice?
That includes Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr., whom Kiper had falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 19. If the Steelers ever took Flowers over Johnson, fans would presumably be irate. With the next pick in Kiper’s mock, the Steelers took Oklahoma OT Anton Harrison over Iowa LB Jack Campbell and Alabama safety Brian Branch to begin the second round.
Lastly, with their second pick of Day Two, the Steelers select Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents. This is a pick that does make some sense, although he could slip to the third round. The two sides have had a mutual interest in the pre-draft process. On Monday, the Steelers used one of their top-30 visits with the Big 12 cornerback. It's obvious the team will select a corner and if it's not early, Brents could be a perfect Plan B option at the position.
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What do you think of this three-player haul from Kiper? Do you think Flowers is a bit of a reach with the 17th overall pick? Which WR do you want the Steelers to draft? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!
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