Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones made a spot start at left tackle in Week 5 of his rookie season in 2023 before claiming the full-time right tackle job in Week 9. Through the first eight games with Jones on the bench, Pittsburgh ranked 28th in rushing yards per game (79.7) and 29th in yards per carry (3.4). But from Week 9 on, they became the fifth-best rushing attack in yards per game (145.2) and were tied for seventh-best in yards per carry (4.5). Despite his strong play at right tackle, general manager Omar Khan made it clear that Jones' future is protecting the QB's blind side at left tackle. If the Steelers take an offensive lineman in this year's draft at No. 20 or No. 51, they'll be looking for a prototypical right tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones was selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but he might begin his rookie campaign as a reserve offensive lineman. He has worked behind veteran left tackle Dan Moore Jr. during camp and all offseason, and the 22-year-old doesn't seem to have a problem with that. "I'm really not that big on just coming in and, you know, just jumping in with the ones right away," Jones said. "You know, I like to feel things out." The Georgia product is expected to eventually secure Kenny Pickett's blindside for the foreseeable future, but it sounds like the Steelers are practicing patience with his development.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones didn't get first-team repetitions in offseason practices, but he earned solid reviews from his coaches and teammates. Offensive line coach Pat Meyer spoke highly of Jones during mandatory minicamp while also acknowledging a steep learning curve for rookie offensive lineman. "He's talented, he's young, he's athletic, he's got all the tools," Meyer said. "The thing is he wants to be great, so he stays with that, and he wants to be great, and he has that attitude to do that. And when the time's ready for him, he's going to be in there." Pittsburgh traded up to the 14th overall spot to take Jones in this year's draft, and the 22-year-old figures to be the Steelers' left tackle in time.
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem content with first-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones sitting and learning for a while. How long Jones sits in his rookie season will depend entirely on him. "If you draft a guy in the first round, you're not drafting a guy to sit him," offensive line coach Pat Meyer said. "It's the nature of the business. When he's ready to play and we think he's ready to play, the kid is going to play." Although the Steelers have spoken highly of left tackle Dan Moore Jr., Jones could still come out and dominate in training camp and win the starting job in Week 1. If there was a potential weakness that arose for Jones in spring workouts, it was with the speed rushers. It could take the 22-year-old a little bit to adjust to the speed of the NFL.
The Steelers traded for the No. 14 overall pick on Thursday night and selected Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones had a successful collegiate career with the Bulldogs, earning first-team All-SEC honors while helping his team capture two national titles. Pittsburgh lost some bodies via free agency this offseason, so the Steelers moved to bolster its protection unit, which is good news for Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris.
Broderick Jones
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Steelers
