We're about midway through the 2023 NFL Draft and the Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a fantastic start. The draft started with a bang on Thursday night with the Steelers trading up to the 15th pick and selecting Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. This move not only made all of Steeler Nation happy, but franchise quarterback Kenny Pickett happy as well. We got to see that in full swing when both Pickett and Jones met up with current Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast during the NFL Draft Special in Pittsburgh on Friday night.
Screenshot from Steelers.com
Broderick Jones meets with the press for the first time.
Jones' appearance on the show was a surprise to everyone, and being able to hear more from him directly all but solidified the fact that the team made an amazing choice to kick off the draft. We all know that Jones is a winner. He was a key contributor up front for the Georgia Bulldogs 2022 championship season. And after hearing how he responded to a few of Heyward's questions on the show, it's clear as day that Jones plans to continue that winning mentality into the next level.
After doing some quick introductions and allowing Jones to settle in, Heyward asked what play style he prefers, whether that's run blocking or pass blocking. Jones' answer was right to the point.
"Man, whatever wins games."
Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY Sports
Former Georgia offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#59) celebrates after a big play for the Bulldogs.
Jones is seemingly a man of few words, but if these are the type of quotes we're going to get, I don't think I need to hear any more. Cohost of the show Hayden Walsh later chimes in and brings up that throughout the pre-draft process Jones' game has been compared to All-Pro tackle Trent Williams. Walsh starts off by asking Jones if that's a fair evaluation, and if he can see any similarities between them.
"I do, because of the way he plays. He plays physical, he plays fast, he's very athletic. I see a lot of that in my game."
Being compared to a former First-Team All-Pro is pretty high praise before a player even takes an NFL snap, but Jones and all of Steeler Nation, is confident in his potential. Walsh continued on and asked Jones if there are any other current NFL tackles that he models his game after.
"I watch a lot of guys. Jamaree Salyer, Andrew Thomas, Trent Williams, Laremy Tunsil. There's a lot of players that I watch and admire."
Mark J. Rebilas | USA Today Sports
Broderick Jones takes on Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Some other amazing names that Jones seems to be doing his homework on, and I'm sure that list will only get longer as he dives head first into his rookie season in the NFL. Now throughout this whole interview Pickett is right there next to Jones taking it all in. Heyward looks over to the both of them and asks Jones the million dollar question.
"What are you going to do to keep this guy upright?"
Jones' response here might be the best of the entire show.
"First of all I'm gonna come in and give 110 percent everyday. That's where it starts at. I gotta learn the playbook like the back of my hand, because without that I can't be on the field to protect my guy. Soak up all the knowledge I can from the older cats."
Jones is ready to work and that's exactly what you want to see out of your franchise's first round pick. Pickett is excited, Heyward is excited and all of Steeler Nation should be even more so. This year's draft class is looking like it has the pieces to be special. Jones will look to be a focal point of the team's front line for years to come, and if these initial responses are any indication, I think the Steelers will be thrilled with their decision.
How do you feel about Broderick Jones being a Pittsburgh Steeler? How are you feeling about this draft class as a whole so far? Be sure to leave a comment down below and give us your thoughts!
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