Steelers make surprising pick in latest mock draft

The Steelers have a couple of major needs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, most notably offensive line and cornerback. However, NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has them going in a different direction in his latest mock draft.

Pittsburgh selects Boston College WR Zay Flowers with pick No. 17 instead of WR Jordan Addison, in a shocking turn of events.

"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," Kiper Jr. writes.

Flowers, who is 22, had 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. Some, like Kiper Jr., have argued he is the best receiver in this year's draft class, but it would be surprising if Pittsburgh not only went receiver but not Addison.

The Steelers have also had a great track record of drafting receivers outside of the first round, making the pick even more surprising. 

Pittsburgh last selected a receiver in the first round in the 2006 NFL Draft (Santonio Holmes). That pick certainly worked out for the Steelers as Holmes helped deliver a win in Super Bowl XLIII and won Super Bowl MVP. 

However, there's a reason Pittsburgh hasn't selected a receiver in the first round since and it feels unlikely Flowers will break the team's streak.