Steelers Rookie Broderick Jones Doesn't Mind Sitting Behind Dan Moore Jr. To Start NFL Career

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to select Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick in April's 2023 NFL Draft, it seemed inevitable that he would start immediately. In order for the offense to take the next step forward in 2023, the front office had to improve the offensive line. They did just that with the interior part of the line in free agency, as they finally dealt with a reasonable amount of cap space.

That allowed them to focus on the tackle position in the draft, to which they became infatuated with Jones. They paid a hefty price to move up three spots with the New England Patriots and find their franchise left tackle. It is just a few weeks before the 2023 season begins, and Jones is no shoe-in for the starting job. Via Will Graves of the Associated Press, Jones realizes he has to earn that job and if he doesn't, he's fine with starting the season as a backup.

"I’m really not that big on just coming in and, you know, just jumping in with the ones right away. You know, I like to feel things out. So I feel like it’s an asset for me just to sit back and watch somebody, you know, who’s older, who’s done it for years."

Dan Moore Jr. had his fair share of inconsistencies in his first two NFL seasons, but he's also proven to be capable. He's held his own, and it's why the Steelers have trusted the Texas A&M product to start 34 total games in his first two seasons. Now, he's in a full-fledged battle for the starting job. As for Jones, he's endured the usual rookie lumps throughout the summer. 

That's expected, especially considering the fact that he is still a raw, unfinished product. In the team's first release of its depth chart, Moore was listed as the starter ahead of Jones. The battle will continue on over the next three weeks, but it may be wise to let the rookie ease into things. Still, it seems like Moore and Jones have a professional relationship ahead of the 2023 season.

"So just being able to sit back, watch what works for him, what doesn’t, you know, try to implement those small things into my game, you know, I feel like that’s a plus. Me and Dan don’t even look at it as a battle. We just look at it as trying to get better each and every day between me and him," Jones said via Graves' article.

It still feels inevitable that Jones will eventually take over the job, whether that's after Week 3 or Week 8. Nowadays, teams don't give up a ton of resources just to sit a guy on the bench for a whole season. Credit to Moore though, as he's taken the situation like a seasoned veteran. The same can be said for Jones, who has remained humble and honest about the situation.

Steelers Might Be Better Off Starting With Moore At Left Tackle

If you look at the Steelers start to the season, it may be just another reason to put Moore out there. They will face three of the best pass rushers in the league in the first three weeks in Joey Bosa, Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. That would be quite the gauntlet for the rookie to start his career, which could derail some confidence. Regardless, this will be a fun battle to continue to watch over the last few weeks of the 2023 preseason.

Who do you think will ultimately start at left tackle in Week 1? Would starting Jones right away put too much pressure on the rookie, especially with the tough competition to start the year? Will Moore move to right tackle in the near future? Share your opinions in the comment section below, yin

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