Steelers Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones Has "Grown Man Strength" According To Former NFL GM

The Pittsburgh Steelers had what was arguably the best drafts in the NFL between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. They were able to select a myriad of excellent young players that all show tremendous potential. That left them with the decision of how to acclimate those rookies into starting for the team. 

One of the rookie players that fans have been clamoring to see on the field is offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones and veteran tackle Dan Moore Jr. faced off for the starting position during training camp. However, it appeared that it was Moore's job to lose, the Steelers do not typically throw their rookies to the wolves. Unfortunately, Moore was injured and this gave Jones the opportunity to start Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Now, former General Manager Doug Whaley is singing Jones' praises. He liked what he saw during the Ravens game as Jones was lined up against Pro Bowl defensive end, Jadeveon Clowney. Whaley recently appeared on Christopher Carter's podcast Locked On Steelers and was asked about Jones' progress through the first five weeks. 

"When you're talking about offensive linemen and especially young offensive linemen, if you don't hear their name called or the person that they're blocking's name called, then they did a great job," remarked Whaley.

Carter and Whaley noted that while Clowney is on the back end of his career, he has been performing quite well for the Ravens and has been a factor in why their run defense has been so good. Whaley added that it is especially remarkable because Clowney is a strong, physical presence on the field, and that actually played to Jones' strengths. Jones is the type of big, powerful player who can really control defenders if he is able to get his hands on them. It is unusual for these very young rookies to have so much strength.   

"The positive is that grown man strength, but the guys even at a young age that have grown man strength and that aggressiveness, sometimes it works to their detriment. They're overaggressive and they get out leveraged and off balance. To be able to have that strength and contain it, that's something that is really special at this early stage of his career."

This strength, self-control, and the fact that he had a good first start against the Ravens helps to build up confidence. Whaley, a Pittsburgh native, whose first NFL job was as the Steelers pro personnel coordinator where he stayed for about a decade, noted that this confidence isn't just in Jones in himself. It is also the whole line and offense who learn to feel comfortable with him, as well as the coaches who see his performance.   

The next challenge is for Jones to put his skills up against different kinds of defenders - ones with natural pass rush abilities or the ability to bend off the edge. However, Whaley and Carter are really optimistic about what they saw in that first game. 

"What gives me hope and really some positive outlook on this guy, is because every day he's going up against two of the best outside linebackers, with Highsmith and Watt, so he's used to seeing that type of pass rush."

Of course, Whaley notes that while he goes up against the very best in the NFL in practice, it takes doing it under the lights against somebody who has "wreaked havoc" on a lot of excellent tackles. This has allowed a better assessment of his abilities.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Is Coming Into His Own With The Steelers 

Jones was the Steelers' first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia where he helped the Bulldogs win two National Championships. During the NFL Combine, Jones impressed scouts and coaches with his athleticism, despite his large size. At 6'5" and 311 pounds, you don't expect him to be able to move the way he does or run as fast as he does. 

The biggest knock on Jones at the combine was that there was so much talent at Georgia during his time there that he was a backup initially. It was noted that he still needed to work on his technique, but had the tangible qualities and football IQ to be a solid starter.  

It is no secret that many current and former players do not think that Pro Football Focus accurately grades offensive linemen, however, it does give fans a frame of reference. Obviously, as the starter, Moore has taken more snaps than Jones, 187 to 121. Even when taking that into consideration, it is concerning how much lower PFF has graded Moore, 29.3 to Jones' 66.5. 

The Steelers are headed into a bye week for Week 6 which will give them time to get back some of their injured players such as receiver Diontae Johnson. It is currently unknown exactly when Moore will return from his knee injury, so for the time being, it appears that Jones will continue to start. 

What do you think about Whaley and Carter's comments regarding Jones' strength? Click to comment below. 

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