Steelers mock draft: Pittsburgh focuses on building around Kenny Pickett

In this latest rendition of a Pittsburgh Steelers mock draft, the team focuses on building around what Kenny Pickett wants.

With the Senior Bowl wrapped up, an initial Steelers draft board is starting to become clear. The team was heavily looking into both sides of the line. While they will obviously address other needs as well, this mock draft focuses on building around Kenny Pickett.

For better or worse, Pickett is this team’s future, but he will certainly need some help. This offense is lacking weapons and protection, and the team needs to get serious about giving him some additional protection. That is what they do in this draft: build around Pickett and add talent to both lines.

Steelers mock draft round 1: WR Jordan Addison

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a huge fan of taking a receiver in the first round. While the Steelers have a need there, receivers are a notably deep position in the draft and there are more important positions to address. That said, Pickett has shown a desire to be reunited with his college teammate, and Jordan Addison was available at pick 17.

Addison is a fun player to watch. He knows how to get open and play in a variety of spots on an offense. His hands haven’t always been the best, but he is an explosive playmaker that can win deep despite not having elite athletic traits. Addison has a great connection with Pickett, knows how to get open, and thus, the Steelers add him to complete their receiver room.