Steelers mock draft round 4: Christian Jones, OT, Texas
An offensive tackle was already added in free agency, but that doesn't mean the Steelers won't double-dip at the position. They need options, and that includes depth too. Dylan Cook remains on the roster and had a quality preseason that got him on the team last year. Dan Moore Jr. is only an option on the left side, so providing competition at right tackle might be best.
Jones has played on both sides at Texas. but he has been on the right side over the past couple of seasons. He is also an option that could develop into a start within the next year or two. For now, he can compete for the swing tackle position, but it will be hard to knock down Moore. The coaches love him much more than the fans do.
This prospect had a good week of work at the Senior Bowl. He was good in team drills and in one-on-one opportunities too. He comes out of the Texas program after five seasons, which provided plenty of starting experience to his resume. Jones did not allow a sack this past year and limited the opposition's ability to get past him to apply pressure to the quarterback.
Run blocking is big in Smith's new offense, and Jones has become reliable in that area. He needs to be coached on his pass protection. His inability to be consistent in that area has led to him falling to this point in the draft. He is a good pick here, but he must find ways of growing as a pass protector at the next level. That could develop into a starting role.