5 most important Steelers that will affect the outcome of the 2023 season

Broderick Jones has to prove to be worth the draft trade in year one

Most know about the news surrounding Broderick Jones recently, and its not his fault that his name is hitting the newswire. Unfortunately, one of his teammates spoke about him and that has snowballed into a giant storyline in recent days. Kevin Dotson claimed that Jones will likely not play this season, which implies he needs a lot of work to do before he starts.

This is the NFL and Jones is not a finished product heading into the professional ranks. He will get a shot at challenging Dan Moore Jr. for the starting job on the left side. It seems like you almost have to play him day one since you traded up to get the chance to take him in the first round. His first handful of starts would be against some of the top pass rushers in the NFL.

That could be a reason why the coaches hold him back from immediately starting, but he could play his way into that role. Moore has also been working on the right side, which should cause some concern if you are Chuks Okorafor. Pittsburgh is not afraid to shake up the offensive line and that could mean Jones on the left and Moore on the right.

Dotson should be concerned about his own play as it seems like his starting days for the offensive line are over. Jones still has a lot to prove between now and the regular season before he can be deemed a starter in the trenches. The rookie is a hard worker and has all the physical tools to work with to become a terrific talent to block Kenny Pickett's blindside.