Pittsburgh Steelers dreams come true as they land OT Broderick Jones in Round 1

With each passing pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers fans were getting nervous. Some bizarre moves early saw some hopeful prospects hearing their names called before some expected. With Paris Johnson Jr. jumping off the board quickly, fans were wondering if there would be a run on tackles.

Shortly after, Tennessee's Darnell Wright was scooped up by the Chicago Bears after trading back one spot with the Eagles, and Peter Skoronki was snagged by the Titans with the 11th pick. This left just one first-round tackle on the board: Georgia's Broderick Jones.

The Chances of him slipping past the New York Jets and making it to pick 17 for the Steelers seemed incredibly grim. That's when Omar Khan decided to get aggressive.

The new Steelers GM packaged the 17th pick with a fourth-rounder (pick 120 overall) to jump up to the Patriots' pick at 14 and snatch Jones. This no doubt made a lot of fans happy. Broderick has untapped potential thanks to prototype traits and foot quickness. He projects as a long-time starter on the left side with Pro Bowl upside.

Despite his lack of reps in college, Jones should instantly unseat Dan Moore Jr. for the starting LT role -- pushing Moore back as the swing tackle. Khan and assistant GM Andy Weidl made it a point to get better along the offensive line this year, and that's exactly what the Steelers have done. It's hard to argue with the results so far.

Broderick Jones should be a massive upgrade for Steelers

Like many young, raw tackles entering the league as first-round picks, Jones isn't guaranteed to be good right away. However, I have a hard time believing that he won't be an instant upgrade over what they had in Dan Moore Jr.

Jones has outstanding traits and a nasty demeanor that could make him one of the better left tackles in the league if he's willing and able to refine some sloppy mechanics at times. This is a high-upside pick for a team who has not touched an offensive tackle in the first round since taking Jamain Stephens in 1996.

Not only was this a fan-favorite selection, but the board should lay out well for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. There is still rich talent at the cornerback position to be had, and Khan could find the sweet spot once again.

Overall, I think this was an excellent move to grab a talented player at a premium position. Pittsburgh's offensive line is guaranteed to look a lot different in 2023.