With three offensive tackles off the board in the first 11 picks the Steelers made an aggressive move to trade up for Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
Coming into draft night offensive tackle and cornerback were seen as the two biggest needs for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Thus, fans expected they would address both areas in this draft. In the first round, they selected an offensive tackle and they will have two second-round picks to potentially add a cornerback in a talented class.
In recent years it’s been no secret that the offensive line hasn’t exactly been a strong point for the Steelers. With recent free agent additions, the interior offensive line was secured, but tackle was still a big need coming into draft night.
They were able to fill this need by trading up to 14 for former Georgia star Broderick Jones.
The Steelers select Georgia OT Broderick Jones 14th overall
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 28, 2023
ZERO sacks allowed in 2022💪 pic.twitter.com/gyKm9OJYjM
Steelers made the right call. Didn’t think they’d need to move up for a tackle but jones was the last of the top 3. Didn’t give up much. Go get your corner next
— Zac Celedonia (@ZeFlashNFL) April 28, 2023
.@Jerrythekid21 gives his reaction to the pick. @BarstoolBigCat a big supporter of the trade up #EnEffElDraft pic.twitter.com/Z653pHcmca
— Viva La Stool (@VivaLaStool) April 28, 2023
GM Omar Khan and Coach Tomlin talk about selecting OT Broderick Jones. pic.twitter.com/Om6adB2C3i
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 28, 2023
Broderick Jones! Let’s get it!
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) April 28, 2023
What Broderick Jones Brings to the table for the Steelers
In Broderick Jones Steelers fans can expect a day one starter at left tackle. Although Jones has some technical refining to do, he is still well-suited to make the transition to the NFL. Not only does he play in the best conference in college football, but he goes against top-tier defensive talent in practice at Georgia.
The biggest selling point to like about Broderick Jones’ game is his balance. In pass protection, it’s paramount to have the foot quickness to stay in front of edge rushers and Jones certainly brings that to the table. He’s someone who is rarely caught ever caught out of position in pass protection as he allowed just two sacks and 17 pressures across his last two seasons at Georgia.
That foot quickness makes Jones well-equipped to deal with speed rushes, but he’s also good at fending off power rushers as well. He has good size at 6-foot-5 3/8, 311 pounds. Jones also has good power as once he’s able to get his hands on pass rushers he’s typically able to control the rep and not allow any push.
Ultimately, coming into the draft night the Steelers had a need at one of the most important positions on the field at left tackle and they were able to fill that. Jones will likely start from day one as a rookie and he’s also someone who projects to improve throughout his first few seasons in the NFL with his combination of size, quickness, and power.