2. Steelers offensive tackles are struggling
This is not a good sign. We knew that offensive tackle was a position the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to fix, and prior to selecting Broderick Jones, this team had far too long of a drought without taking an offensive tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft.
However, even with Broderick now on the team, the outlook at offensive tackle is iffy at best. I was recently on hand in Latrobe to observe a few Steelers training camp practices, and I wasn't impressed by what I saw at the OT position. Broderick, for instance, looked strong in run-blocking situation, but he was dusted by backup outside linebackers in true pass sets on more than one occasion.
Likewise, the offensive tackle group as a unit hasn't had a great start to Steelers training camp this summer. Dan Moore Jr. has been embarrassed by Alex Highsmith in the early going while Le'Raven Clark has allowed some easy pressures going against rookie Nick Herbig. Even the longest-tenured tackle on the team, Chukwuma Okorafor, hasn't had a great camp so far.
Offensive tackle is too important to the offense to have lackluster play again in 2023. This group needs to get it together quickly. We know that Broderick Jones is going to be the starting left tackle sooner rather than later, so let's hope that he starts making some big strides soon.