Steelers mock draft: Building a foundation around Kenny Pickett

Steelers add playmaker, secondary help with their two second-round picks

Thanks to the Steelers trading away Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears for their second-round pick, the Steelers have a pseudo-first, as they pick 32nd overall due to the Miami Dolphins pick being taken away. It may not be a true first, but in this mock, they get a player I believe is worthy of one.

Zay Flowers is one of the best playmakers in the draft at any position, with explosive speed and lateral agility that makes him a threat to score on any play. Despite his small stature, he also showed a willingness and ability to climb the ladder for contested catches.

Flowers may still be limited to a primary slot role, but that is exactly what the Steelers need with Diontae Johnson and George Pickens already on the roster. It's possible Calvin Austin Jr could be that type of player after missing his rookie season, but Flowers would be too good to pass up at 32.

Now that the Steelers have improved the trenches and added a playmaker for Kenny Pickett in this mock, it's time to add some reinforcements to the defense. Cam Smith out of South Carolina is the perfect corner for the Steelers man-heavy defense, and he may be available this late thanks to the impressive depth of this corner class. Smith is an excellent athlete with the fluidity to stick in man coverage and the instincts to make plays on the football.

Smith didn't force a ton of turnovers (six interceptions in 33 games) but defended plenty of passes (24) during his career, so his ball skills are not an issue. He could probably start quickly if need be, but if not he would be great depth early on as a boundary corner for Teryl Austin's defense. He could go much earlier than pick 49, but the sheer amount of quality corners could push him down the board a bit.