The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the board in the 2023 NFL Draft with their first-round selection of Georgia offensive tackle, Broderick Jones. Fans should be absolutely ecstatic that Omar Khan found a potential long-term answer as a blindside protector. Jones has the opportunity to be the final piece to the puzzle on the Steelers' offensive line.
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Broderick Jones celebrates in the 2023 National Championship after a second-quarter touchdown
When the Steelers traded up to pick 14, many thought it would be to land cornerback, Christian Gonzalez, from Oregon as the defense is in need of depth in the secondary. He was widely projected as a safe bet to go inside the top 10 due to his impressive physical attributes and strong play during his collegiate career.
Ultimately, the Steelers viewed left tackle as a higher priority and opted to cement their offensive line for the foreseeable future with the addition of Jones. There is no denying the talent Gonzalez possesses, and at only 20 years old, he most likely has only scratched the surface of his potential as a cornerback at the next level.
He would have filled an immediate need at corner to play alongside Patrick Peterson. Fortunately for the Steelers, there may be a plethora of opportunities to land a playmaker at this position with either of their second-round selections.
University of Oregon cornerback, Christian Gonzalez could be targeted by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft. | Photo Credit: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images
Did The Steelers Make The Right Call With Jones Over Gonzalez?
Interestingly enough, Gonzalez is heading to the New England Patriots at pick 17, the team with that the Steelers made the first-round trade with. He will join an already talented defensive group with the Patriots and will be an immediate contributor in 2023.
For the Steelers, while the idea of adding a playmaker in the defensive back room is intriguing, adding a player of Jones' pedigree should be considered a success for their first pick.
In all likelihood, Jones will become the starter at left tackle over the incumbent Dan Moore Jr. at some point next season. The former Bulldog is far from a finished product, but plays with a tenacious mean streak which lead many draft experts to have raked him as the tackle in this year's class with the highest ceiling.
If the Steelers can remain patient with him and correct his techniques in certain aspects of his game, the team may have gotten one of the biggest steals of night one.
Look at this huge human move. Broderick Jones. Steelers got an awesome athlete. Watch. pic.twitter.com/RWwh7LxPF8
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) April 28, 2023
Plenty Of Options Left At Cornerback Heading In To Round Two
Perhaps the biggest contributing factor as to why the Steelers opted to go with Jones over Gonzalez has to do with the tremendous depth at cornerback in this year's class. Heading in to the second-round, players such as Cam Smith, D.J. Turner, Tyrique Stevenson and Joey Porter Jr., are still available.
If the Steelers can land of these players Friday night, they should feel confident with their depth at cornerback heading into the 2023 season.
Miami Herald
Tyrique Stevenson celebrates after he picks off a pass
On the flip side, if they decided to pass on Jones at pick 14, there are few other offensive tackles who would be meaningful contributors in 2023. When all of this is taken in to consideration, the Steelers not only made the sensible pick with Jones, but one that can help transform the trajectory of the offense for years to come. Steeler Nation, the organization may have finally gotten the guy at left tackle. Welcome to Pittsburgh, Broderick!
How Do We Feel About Broderick Jones, Steeler Nation?
Do you think the Steelers made the right decision with their first-round pick? What other players, apart from Gonzalez, would you have liked the team to have consider? What players are you hoping they look at Friday night? Leave a comment!
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