The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their first selection of the 2023 NFL Draft! At pick #14 after a trade in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Steelers have selected offensive tackle, Broderick Jones from Georgia.
Mark J. Rebilas | USA Today Sports
Broderick Jones looks to get out on the edge and make a block during the 2023 College Football Playoffs
The Steelers traded up from pick #17 to #14 to select Jones. The Steelers and New England Patriots swapped first round picks and the Steelers send their fourth round pick #120 to the Patriots.
Recently Brian Baldinger gave his thoughts on Jones. He believes he's better than #6 overall pick, Paris Johnson Jr.
“I like Broderick Jones better,” Baldinger said. "I’m not knocking Paris Johnson. I saw Paris play guard last year and he played tackle this year. He’s a versatile guy and he’s talented. You watch Broderick Jones at Georgia, he looks like Andrew Thomas from the New York Giants. It took [Thomas] two years to figure it out and he’s a really good player. This guy Broderick Jones looks like that right now. He’s a young kid that is going to get stronger.”
Strengths:
- Former high school basketball player with premium athletic qualities.
- Drives hands into defender with upward strike.
- Rips outside hand through pads to corral and move opponent.
- Should be able to make all the blocks for zone and power.
- Body control to adjust to moving targets.
- Has length necessary to improve punch timing.
- Recognizes twist attempts quickly. Possesses loose hips and quick feet for recoveries.
Weaknesses:
- Less than two full seasons of starting experience at left tackle.
- Needs to keep his chin tucked and back flat in protection.
- Punch comes from outside angles and is slow to stick the rusher.
- Gives early ground when challenged by power rush.
- Doesn’t fit up run blocks in one, fluid motion. Will need to improve play strength as a pro.Tends to duck head and lose sight into first contact.
What do you think of the Steelers' first round pick in Jones? Let us know in the comments!
Regardless, welcome to Pittsburgh Broderick Jones!
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