Steelers Rookie Broderick Jones Knows He Isn't Ready To Start Yet; Taking The Same Approach He Did At Georgia

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Broderick Jones in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft, trading up three spots to make sure they got their guy. All fans knew that there would be a battle for the left tackle position throughout training camp and the preseason between Jones and Dan Moore Jr. Throughout training camp, it was quite obvious that Moore Jr. was winning the position battle, and Jones would take some time to develop into a reliable starter for the Steelers. Jones is familiar with being in this position, as he had to do the same thing at Georgia. 

Jones started four games during the 2021 regular season for the Bulldogs due to the starting left tackle getting hurt, but he did not become the solidified starting tackle until during the National Championship game that year - when Georgia's offense was struggling and the coaches felt it was time to give Jones a shot to win the job in what was the biggest game of the year. Jones played well, and retained the starting job for the 2022 season and played so well, he wound up being a first-round pick. 

Now, Jones finds himself in a similar situation at the professional level as he is beginning the season as the back up left tackle to Moore Jr. Sitting to begin the season is likely what is best for Jones, as the Steelers offensive line has a tall task at hand through the first couple weeks of the season. They kick off the year going against some of the best pass rushers in the NFL in Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, and Chandler Jones. 

With the reports of Moore Jr. showing great levels of improvement, this will be a great test to see if he can perform well against the highest level of competition. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about his stance on the rookie and the current situation at left tackle for the Steelers with Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.

"If you have a good team, if you have people playing well, oftentimes it means young, capable guys get an opportunity to watch as they grow and develop. That's the story of the left tackle position. I feel really comfortable about where we are," said Tomlin.

Jones has been in this situation before, where he was given the opportunity to improve during practices and learn from the coaching staff at Georgia in order to develop into a starting caliber left tackle at the college level, and now it's time for him to do it again. He is familiar with the spot he is in, and knows how to take advantage of it to best benefit himself and the team. 

Steelers Rookie Prepared To Take Advantage Of Backup Role

Jones has been spoken highly of by the Steelers coaching staff due to his desire to learn and get better. After spending most of the preseason taking snaps with the second-string offense, it was obvious he was not going to win the starting role by Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Jones didn't let that get him down, as he is ready to seize his opportunity as a backup.

"I just treat a backup spot like a learning tool. At the end of the day, we're going to put the best five out there to win. I'm not there yet. I know I'm not there yet. I'm just continuing to just try and grow within my game and develop as much as possible as quick as possible."

Jones will clearly be taking advantage of his opportunity to sit back and learn, while also preparing himself as much as possible so he is ready to step in for Moore Jr. if needed. Jones will eventually get his time to start since the team spent a first-round pick on him, but for now, he is focused on developing into the best player he can be so he can earn his spot on the starting offensive line.

What do you think of Jones' approach to being a backup to start the season? Let us know in the comments below!

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