With all eyes on Aaron Rodgers, other notable Pittsburgh Steelers players haven't received a fraction of the attention at mandatory minicamp. Recently, however, the media caught up with 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones. But it wasn't his comments that are drawing buzz on social media, it's his new look.
On Thursday, Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot posted side-by-side photos of Jones from May of 2024 to June of 2025. The difference is night and day.
In the first photo, Jones looked noticeably heavier, but in the second, he looked slimmer than we've seen him going back to his days with the Georgia Bulldogs. This seems to fall in line with recent reports that the former 14th overall pick lost between 15-20 pounds this offseason.
At the NFL Combine, Jones weighed in at 311 pounds, but over the past two years, he has put on weight. Broderick was reportedly playing at 325 pounds last offseason, but is said to be 'around' 305 pounds right now.
This is a dramatic transformation all in one offseason, but the Steelers could reap the benefits of Jones' physique change.
Broderick Jones' new physique could aid in a breakout 2025 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Let's be honest: the first two seasons of Broderick Jones in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform were hard to watch. Jones struggled mightily with poor technique, sloppy feet, quickness off the line of scrimmage, and leverage. All of these flaws led to a forgettable first two NFL seasons, plagued by ugly reps and penalties.
Fortunately, Jones began to turn things around. In the second half of the 2024 season, Jones graded out significantly better than former starting offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. (who just earned a massive contract from the Tennessee Titans). Now, back at left tackle—the position he played in high school and college—many fans assume this change will help. But his new physique could, too.
The Steelers run a wide zone offense. For offensive linemen, this means that you need to be quick, explosive, and nimble. What better way to do this than to trim the fat (literally) to maximize athletic traits?
Jones was already an impressive athlete who hadn't put everything together. It was his athleticism and overall profile that drew Pittsburgh to the raw offensive tackle, to begin with.
It's year three. Broderick Jones knows what's on the line this season, and his career hinges on the improvements he will or won't show in 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him to be the left tackle of the future, and it's encouraging to know that he's trimmed down and ready to rock and roll this year.