The Pittsburgh Steelers are having one of the best offseasons in recent memory. New General Manager, Omar Khan, with the help of his Assistant General Manager, Andy Weidl, has been signing and re-signing, meeting with prospects and visiting Pro Days. Now, the draft weekend is finally here. All of Steeler Nation was anxiously awaiting the decision and now we know it is Broderick Jones, an offensive tackle out of the University of Georgia.
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Broderick Jones celebrates in the 2023 National Championship after a second-quarter touchdown
However, the wizardry Khan has been cooking up started long before this off-season started. It's almost like Khan is using a "Jedi mind trick" on the other GMs, convincing them to take his deals. It all started with the Chase Claypool trade last November which set Pittsburgh up with the amazing first pick in the second round.
Since that trade, Khan has continued to make these subtle, but very powerful moves. If Khan is a wizard then that must make Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Christopher Carter, an oracle.
Carter recently appeared on the House of Yinzer podcast and he spoke about the outstanding job he feels Khan is doing. He also predicted the Steelers' entire first round, down to the move up and choice of an offensive tackle.
"Omar Khan has done a very good job leading up to this offseason with trading away Chase Claypool for the Bears' second-round pick that turned out to be the first pick of the second round."
The Steelers Building A Pickett Fence With the Addition Of Broderick Jones
Carter predicted that the Steelers would continue to build up their offensive line - that "Pickett Fence." There were signs throughout the offseason that this was a priority as the Steelers signed Isaac Seumalo, the dominant left guard from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Carter believes that Pittsburgh is looking to rebuild the kind of offensive line that they had in the 2010s when they all leaned on each other to protect the quarterback.
"The Steelers back in the 2010s. When they had Alejandro Villanueva, Kelvin Beachum, and Ramon Foster - none of those guys were the stars of the line, but they were good role players who could lean on each other. I think that the offensive line needs more anchor players. I think James Daniels could be an anchor. I think that Seumalo could be an anchor. But the big key for this draft is finding that one more anchor piece on the offensive line."
Screenshot from the House of Yinzer podcast
Pittsburgh Post Gazette reporter discusses the draft on House of Yinzer podcast.
"There are some really good players that match up with their position and their needs - offensive tackle, definitely a need right now. I think there's a big chance that they trade up and go get their preferred guy at that position. To me, after we talk about Peter Skoronski, Broderick Jones, and Paris Johnson Jr., I think there is a decent drop-off to Darnell Wright and then another drop off after that. I think they do not want to get caught up waiting for those drop-offs to happen at offensive tackle."
Carter mentioned some of the work ethic issues that have come up about Darnell Wright. He noted that these are just rumors, but combined with the drop in talent, it will be enough to push the Steelers to trade up. Amazingly enough, after breaking down all of the most likely move-up scenarios, Carter accurately predicts exactly what the Steelers did in the first round.
"We're just going off the things that have been reported and talked about so off that I think they want to get ahead of the Darnell Wright curve. I think they trade up for either Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones. The Steelers want to get ahead of the New York Jets because if they're sitting there at 15 and the Steelers haven't made their pick, and I think Skoronski is going to be off the board and then either Johnson or Jones is going to be gone. I think the Steelers could get a decent value exchange with the Patriots at 14 especially if Johnson or Jones are sitting there."
When pushed to say which player he thinks the Steelers would prefer out of Paris Johnson Jr. or Broderick Jones, he named Jones.
"I personally have Broderick Jones as my top offensive tackle option in this draft class. I think then you have a pillar for your offensive line for the next eight to ten years. I think Broderick Jones has the best athleticism when it comes to moving and hitting guys in space and using his explosiveness, but I think his technique is a little bit sloppy with his hands. I think sometimes he relies on his strength a little bit too much, but that's very coachable. Jones has a higher high side or taller ceiling than Johnson, but I don't think it's by much."
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Steelers Kenny Pickett being pro-ready helps his case of starting week 1
The Steelers did indeed draft Jones out of Georgia. This is the first time since 1996 the Steelers have used their first-round pick on an offensive tackle. The team is sending a clear message that they will do what it takes to protect second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett. Jones started each of the Bulldogs' games in 2022. He is athletic, aggressive and powerful.
Jones said it was love at first sight with Pittsburgh after being drafted Thursday night.
"I felt like I was at home. It felt like I was at UGA. It felt like the energy was there. Everything that was talked about was needed. At the end of the day, I was in love with the Steelers when I left, and I became one."
The only question that is left now is to say, "Hey, Chris, what are we doing in the second round?"
Tell us what you think about the selection of Jones! Are you happy with it? Hoping for someone else? Blown away he was available? Were you glad Pittsburgh moved up or not? Click to comment below.
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