In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded up with the New England Patriots for pick #14 and made a significant move by selecting offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the University of Georgia. Jones is a player the team has had on its radar and is certainly excited to have to protect quarterback Kenny Pickett for the future.
PHOTO CREDIT: JORDAN SCHOFIELD/STEELERNATION (@JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
The Steelers have brought in lots of competition for last year's starters on the offensive line and might not be done yet.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said during an introductory press conference that Jones has "bigtime upside" and is currently performing exceptionally well. The fact that the player has been a part of the Georgia Bulldogs team, which has won consecutive college football national titles, is also significant to the experienced coach.
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Steelers Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin speak to the media at a draft press conference introducing Broderick Jones
"He's been a part of a winner and he understands that we're in the winning business. He's got a competitive mentality. He's wired right for this line of work. He's got a desire to be great. He values that and he's experienced that. Sometimes you can't really value that unless you've been a part of it. Obviously, the run that university's been on with their football program while he spent time on is a significant role for them," Tomlin said.
General Manager Omar Khan was also impressed by the winning resume and his progress watching on film.
"He's a two-time national champion and he just kept growing from the first game he started," Khan said. "We watched pretty much every game that he's played and I think it's all that and more."
Tomlin first heard about Jones last year when he asked other prospects like George Pickens, Pittsburgh's second-round pick in 2022, about prospects to watch out for and the team kept a close eye on him during the process this year.
"Universally, Broderick's name was the one we got from guys 12 months ago," Tomlin said. "That was the first time I really heard his name and started investigating."
Steelers See Jones As A Longtime Starter
Well, Jones is inexperienced having played "less than two full seasons of starting experience at left tackle," per NFL.com, but Tomlin is excited to get him in to learn and challenge current tackles Dan Moore Jr and Chukwuma Okorafor.
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The left side of the Steelers offensive line could see a makeover this offseason, which includes tackle Dan Moore Jr. and guard Kevin Dotson.
"We're excited about getting him in the fold and teaching him and letting him sort himself out," Tomlin said.
Tomlin wouldn't reveal anything as to where Jones will play in 2023 but Khan said it's an open competition where the best five linemen will be on the starting roster.
Broderick Jones had the best 40-yard dash time (4.97) of any OL at the NFL Combine.
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) April 28, 2023
That in an offense of sweeps and, hopefully, some more screen action, will be big. #Steelers @937theFan
"I love his athleticism, love the upside with him," Khan said. "I think he's going to be a great Steeler for a very longtime."
All the speculation about whether the Steelers would be trading up can now be put to rest as the Steelers made its move to get Jones. Is he the long-time Steeler they said they were targeting in March? We'll probably never know, but for now, he's the newest member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How do you feel about the Jones pick? Was it worth the trade-up? Comment below!
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