Broderick

Jones

The rookie made his first career start last week. He took over at right tackle and played well in his debut, allowing two pressures but no sacks on 29 pass-blocking reps according to Pro Football Focus. The No. 20 overall pick was one of many recent moves made by the Steelers to bolster their offensive line. Broderick Jones, taken in the first round of the 2023 draft, started at right tackle in Week 1 and will presumably reclaim that job until Fautanu returns.

The Steelers traded up to select Jones with the No. 14 overall pick on draft night. The former Georgia Bulldog is expected to be a much-needed upgrade on an offensive line that struggled at times to keep Kenny Pickett upright. Jones allowed zero sacks in 15 games last season and earned AP First-Team All-SEC honors as a result. In addition to providing added protection in the passing game, Jones should also bolster a rush attack that’s expected to be among the more aggressive in the league.

The Steelers sent pick No. 17 and a fourth-round selection to move up. Jones (6’5/311) was a 5-star recruit, and the 2nd-ranked tackle, from Lithonia, Georgia in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. Though he earned minimal snaps in his true Freshman year, Jones managed to win All-SEC Freshman Team honors in his 2021 RFr campaign in relief of injured starter, Jamaree Salyer. The two-time national champion started all 15 games for the Bulldogs at LT last year, allowing zero sacks and just nine pressures while earning AP First-Team All-SEC honors for his efforts. His 84.1 PFF pass block grade is the third-highest mark in the Power Five, as Jones may be the most agile OT in the 2023 class. His 1.67s 10-yard split (99th%) raised eyebrows at the Combine and his 9.56 RAS proves he has the requisite traits to make a smooth transition to the NFL. In addition to verified athleticism, his ability to pull and operate in space is exceptional. Jones also possesses a plus anchor and great functional strength that is displayed whether he is playing in a phone booth or on the run. Needing to get a better evaluation of what they have in Kenny Pickett, the Steelers are hoping to give the second-year passer more clean pockets to work from in 2023.