Well Steeler Nation, the Pittsburgh Steelers got their guy. After making a conservative and moving up to #14 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the organization jumped the Jets to get offensive tackle Broderick Jones. With this, they passed on the likes of Christian Gonzalez and Joey Porter Jr. Jones, however, may just be the most athletic offensive lineman prospect in the entire draft.
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Broderick Jones looks to get out on edge and make a block during the 2023 College Football Playoffs
Dating back to high school, Jones was going to be a stud and the film backs that statement. Everyone should take a look back at practice from the Under Armour All-America All-Star Game. He goes and pancakes his former teammate and 2023 ninth overall pick Jalen Carter.
He was an absolute freak on the basketball during his time at Lithonia High School and helped lead them to the State 5A Final Four.
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Steelers 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones in a game at Lithonia High School.
During the combine, Jones was able to show off his speed running an impressive 4.97 40-yard dash, which was the fastest among all offensive linemen. But the talent may not even show what he has done on the field. He is a winner, hoisting two National Championships during his time at the University of Georgia. With that, he did not allow a single sack as well. NFL.com had this to say about the insane talent of Jones:
"He is an ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side. Jones’ frame and technique both are in the developmental phase. His entry into block fits can be a little disjointed. He needs to improve his punch accuracy and timing to make the most of his length in pass protection. Jones is very talented at working into space and landing a block to help spring the running game. He has the nimble feet to mirror or recover against the rush. Jones isn’t a finished product, but the physical and athletic gifts allow for a projection as a good, long-time starter."
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Top left tackle prospect and former Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#59) celebrates after a big play for the Bulldogs. |
What Convinced The Steelers To Go And Grab Him?
What I think sold the deal for the Steelers is what happened during the 2023 NFL Combine. During a drill that was led by Steelers' Assistant Offensive Line Coach Isaac Williams, Jones is seen pushing and throwing Williams during the drill. I think this aggressiveness is what convinced the Steelers to go and grab him. He has been drawing comparisons to New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas and if he lives up to that, I think Pittsburgh will be alright.
As for the future, this should be the guy that protects Kenny Pickett for the rest of his career, and with the Steelers' great offseason, this leads to having an elite offensive line. This also just adds to the young core of guys that are on this explosive offense in Pittsburgh as Jones is only 21 years old.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap at Acrisure Stadium in his first regular-season action against the New York Jets.
The more I look into the pick, the more I like it. I think Jones is an extremely athletic offensive tackle and will be the future of the left tackle spot in Pittsburgh for years to come.
So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Was Jones the right pick? Let me know in the comments below!
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