Steelers' Broderick Jones Earns Horrifying Tim Tebow Comparison: "Worst Reps Of Any Tackle"

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select University of Georgia tackle Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick, many were thrilled with his potential. Jones was seen as a raw talent, considered more of a project due to his limited starting experience in college. However, his impressive size, athletic abilities, and undeniable potential made him a highly-touted prospect. In his rookie season, Jones performed decently, leading fans to believe he would take an even greater leap in the 2024 season.

Unfortunately, the preseason revealed that Jones was battling an arm injury, which significantly impacted his production. His struggles became apparent, culminating in a disappointing outing against the Denver Broncos come the regular season, where he was benched before the game and then benched again after racking up three devastating penalties. 

This sharp decline raised concerns about his ability to contribute effectively to the Steelers' offensive line, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he could live up to the expectations set for him as a first-round pick.

These concerns resurfaced during a Week 7 contest against the New York Jets, where Jones' performance was again under scrutiny. Pro Football Focus analyst Steve Palazzolo highlighted Jones' ongoing struggles on Check The Mic's Week 7 recap show, emphasizing the need for improvement. With the pressure mounting, Jones must find a way to regain his confidence and show the potential that initially excited Steelers fans and the coaching staff.

"Broderick Jones looks awful right now," Palazzolo said. "The Steelers are winning and everything right now but Broderick Jones has some of the worst reps of any tackle in the NFL right now. It's [Tim] Tebow at tight end kind of reps where he just looks lost and bad."

Palazzolo drew a striking comparison between Jones and former star college quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow was never expected to achieve greatness in the NFL, yet he was drafted primarily due to his remarkable college career at the University of Florida. His mentality and unique qualities led NFL teams to take a chance on him, culminating in a memorable season with the Broncos, where he famously defeated the Steelers in the playoffs.

Unfortunately, Tebow's NFL career did not pan out as hoped. After struggling to establish himself as a quarterback, he shifted positions and attempted to become a tight end. However, it quickly became clear that he was out of place, looking confused and lost on nearly every rep. Palazzolo's comparison highlights Jones' current predicament. 

When watching Jones play, it's evident that he often appears similarly bewildered and overwhelmed on the field, raising concerns about his ability to adapt and perform at the professional level.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Has Been One Of The Worst Tackles In The NFL

Jones' performance in the 2024 season has been disappointing. PFF has assigned him an overall grade of 45.9, ranking him 109th out of 120 tackles that received grades. This places him at the bottom of the barrel among tackles in the league. Palazzolo has noted that Jones is playing as poorly as any tackle in the NFL so far this season.

Viral clips have surfaced, showcasing Jones missing blocks, being out of position, and colliding with his teammates, which only adds to the concerns surrounding his play. While Steeler Nation is understandably worried about his regression, there remains a glimmer of hope that he can turn things around. 

Jones is undeniably a talented prospect who must improve to meet expectations. Despite the high level of concern, he is still a young player navigating the challenges of the league. With dedication and hard work, there’s potential for him to find his footing and make significant improvements. However, pundits are starting to get very worried about Jones.

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