Many expected the Pittsburgh Steelers to make a semi-aggressive move-up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft if the opportunity presented itself. It seems as if the Aaron Rodgers trade to the New York Jets is what helped the wheels start turning in that direction. The New England Patriots were set to pick with the 14th overall selection, but General Manager Omar Khan saw a window to hop ahead of the tackle-needy Jets and select future franchise left tackle, Broderick Jones.
Former Georgia Bulldogs and now Steelers offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#59) blocks in pass protection during the 2022 College Football Playoff. | Photo Credit: Jordon Kelly / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
As anyone would expect, the experts are very vocal around the league when it comes to grading each team that made picks in the first round. One of the more respected and tenured draft analysts, Mel Kiper of ESPN, posted his thoughts shortly after midnight about how the first 31 selections should be looked at.
Overall, he had some picks he really liked, some he was a bit more neutral on, and others that he believed were total head-scratchers including the Detroit Lions taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall. This was one of the unexpected picks that may have helped Jones to fall into the striking distance for the Steelers.
Out of the five teams Kiper labeled as 'winners' after the first round concluded, Pittsburgh was granted the stamp of approval from the analyst. He loved the pick.
"Pittsburgh got a plug-and-play starter at tackle. He didn't allow a single sack on 446 pass block snaps for the national champs last season."
Former Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#59) celebrates after a big play for the Bulldogs. | Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Kiper continued with his analysis and credited the front office for a moderate, but important move-up in order to select a guy who will protect Kenny Pickett for the foreseeable future.
"The Steelers moved up three spots with the Patriots, trading away No. 120 overall to do it, and these are the types of trades up the board I like. Giving up a fourth-round pick won't hurt the rest of this team's haul, which includes two second-round picks. I expect Jones to start in Week 1."
Jones has arguably the most upside of any offensive lineman in the entire class and while Head Coach Mike Tomlin will say he has to earn his way into a starting role, he should take over for Dan Moore Jr before the season begins. Jones is a freak athlete and has the potential to throw defensive linemen around for a long time.
Steelers left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. walks on the field at St. Vincent College during the 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Take Care Of Tackle But Still Have More Needs To Address
It will be interesting to see if Pittsburgh decides to stay put at #32 or trade back in order to pick up some more draft capital. Cornerback, defensive line, edge and linebacker are all still areas of concern. As it currently stands, the Steelers only have five picks remaining to address these, and two of them fall in the seventh round.
This offseason has seemingly been a home run for Khan and company. The final two days of the draft will determine if the roster is filled out enough in order for Pittsburgh to compete for an AFC North title and possibly more in 2023.
Do you think the Steelers' pick of Jones can be considered a 'winner'? Do you agree with Kiper? Let us know in the comments below!
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