Steelers trade up, draft OT Broderick Jones with pick 14
By Andrew Falce
The Steelers decided to trade up in the first round, swapping picks with the Patriots. With the 14th overall pick, the team selected Broderick Jones out of Georgia. The freaky tackle was hot on the Steelers trail, and the team showed conviction by moving up to secure him.
The trade itself was a cheap one, as the team only had to throw in their fourth-round pick (number 120 overall). Considering this team could use pick 32 to trade back and add more picks, only surrendering a fourth-round pick seems fair.
Jones has one of the highest ceilings of an offensive line in this class. The rawest of the top prospects, Jones doesn’t have as much experience as the likes of Darnell Wright and Peter Skoronski, but he has flashed the traits to be an elite left tackle. Add in his athleticism and the sky is the limit for him.
Jones should be a great fit for the Steelers
Jones is an aggressive blocker with prototypical size and length. That aggression has gotten him out of position sometimes, as he can get out of position early when he makes the wrong decision off the snap.
His mechanics as a whole are sloppy as well. That is to be expected with only 19 starts in his college career, and he may need some time to develop before he can slot himself into a starting role. There is some projection here, but you have to like the potential he brings to one of the most important positions.
What I like is that he can sit for his rookie season until he is ready. Dan Moore, while far from perfect, can hold his own if Jones isn’t ready. If he is, then Moore can move to the right side and compete there. This turns the Steelers tackle room into a strength, and their line as a whole has become a much stronger unit this offseason.
Grading each Steelers first-round pick in the Mike Tomlin era. dark. Next
It is hard to dislike this pick. Jones is a top prospect with a huge ceiling, and you only had to surrender a fourth-round pick to get him. He gives the team a lot of options at left tackle, and he helps continue to rebuild this offensive line. I’m thrilled with this pick, as the team is showing a desire to make their line better.