Could there be any more ways the Steelers could mess up Broderick Jones's development? It seems like Pittsburgh is going to try to find every possible way to not only slow Jones' progression but potentially sink him into bust territory. He is only in his second season with the Steelers, but everyone thought things would be completely different after the team traded up to take him with their top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
He has flip-flopped sides during practices and has only started games at right tackle during his time in the NFL. With Troy Fautanu in the fold, and back healthy, he is starting to get starting reps at right tackle. Mike Tomlin somehow came up with a troublesome idea of interchanging Jones and Fautanu as the starters on the right side with each offensive possession.
Jones committed three penalties which sunk a drive, and he was sent to the bench. Fautanu played a quality game, especially for a rookie who is coming off an injury that kept him out of action for most of the preseason. Dan Moore Jr. is playing pretty well to start the regular season, and it seems like there is no place for Jones and his potential development into a star tackle with Pittsburgh.
Broderick Jones is being set up to fail with the Pittsburgh Steelers
It might be too early to mention a potential trade as the best outcome for Jones and the Steelers moving forward. Moore is a pending free agent, and all signs point to him signing elsewhere when free agency comes around. The Steelers need to feel comfortable with Jones as the starting left tackle coming out of the season, and it seems like they won't get any answers anytime soon.
Tomlin has to face some sort of criticism here. The only reason why Jones was thrust into starting action at right tackle last season was because Chuks Okorafor said some off-handed comment that didn't sit right with the coaches. Jones played well down the stretch last season, but it seems like he will struggle to find snaps on offense anytime soon.
Keeping Jones and Fautanu engaged is a good idea but interchanging them from drive to drive is a mess. It seems pretty safe to say that Jones needs structure for his game to thrive. Tomlin and the Steelers have done the exact opposite. They want him to play both sides and come in and out of action with another player. That can mess up two first-round picks in a hurry.
On top of that, it can also mess up the chemistry of a newly developed offensive line. Perhaps the best way is to pick a starter and keep that rolling. If Jones is benched, then have him come in during heavy run packages as an extra offensive lineman. That will keep him engaged and have the potential to earn a starting job back at some point. Things need to change because the current plan is failing.