The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get back to the identity that most fans are familiar with in 2023. This starts with a heavy dose of the run game. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren look to be the real deal when it comes to the Steelers' one-two punch in the backfield, but these two players can only be as good as those providing the gaps and the holes for them. The Steelers made sure to highlight that in this draft when they brought in Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has always been praised for his ability to connect with players.
Steelers Saw Jones As An "Individual Of Priority" In This Year's Draft
Mike Tomlin recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show where he got into the trade with the New England Patriots, and ultimately the player it allowed the Steelers to take in Jones. Here is what Tomlin had to say about Jones when asked what he liked about him:
"First of all, he is really talented, the things that you can't coach, the pedigree-related things. He is big and powerful, he's athletic, he's got really good body control. He's experienced a lot of success. You know, there is no substitute for success, individual success, collective success, the national championships he's been a part of. I think all of that is a good platform for building a quality career. And he has done it all in a very short period of time, he's a third-year junior, he just turned 22 I think two days ago. And that's exciting for me, I love young guys, and I like to be involved in their growth and development, not only as players, but as people... He is a nice piece of clay as we like to say."
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Former Georgia and now Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones moves around on the field during a college game.
What Can The Steelers Expect Jones To Do His Rookie Year?
The Steelers are going to use Jones to run the football. Harris has the ability to do amazing things if he gets the right opportunity, and for the first time since he was selected, he might just be able to do that. A player that currently averages just shy of 4 yards per carry, Harris is a running back that the Steelers would love to get more involved in all facets of play, whether that is running out of the backfield or working at the slot, or catching the ball out of the backfield. Jones was a terrific run blocker, but some might say even better at pass protection. Receiving a 99.0 grade as a pass blocker ranking him fifth in the country last year, Jones will step in for second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett and make an immediate impact on the passing side as well.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) throws a deep ball down the sidelines while warming up for a 2022 matchup. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Will Jones Help Pickett Take The Next Step?
Ending the 2022 season with six wins and only two losses, Pickett is looking to capitalize on this in 2023. Sidelined twice during the year for concussions last season, Pickett now has the help on the offensive line to keep him healthy and let him stay in the pocket longer. Letting your quarterback stay clean helps him digest the defense better and learn what they are doing, and then uses his ability on the field to pick them apart. With the addition of Jones, Pickett, and Harris could be primed for big jumps in 2023.
What do you think the Steelers offense will look like? Will it be improved more in the run or the pass? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter.
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