Steelers 1st Round Pick Broderick Jones: "[I Had] No Choice But To Get Better... Iron Sharpens Iron"

The Pittsburgh Steelers used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Broderick Jones, the offensive tackle out of the University of Georgia. Jones started in 19 games for the Bulldogs over his two seasons playing for them, including two National Championship wins. 

Jones met with the media for his first official press conference and shared his feelings about football and being selected.  

Steelers' Broderick Jones Ready To Get Started

Jones said that he really decided to dedicate himself to the sport of football when he realized he wasn't going to be 6'9" and did not have a career in basketball. Jones, who allowed zero sacks in 2022, impressed the Steelers during his top 30 visit.

"It's just a blessing to be here in Pittsburgh, with the Steelers, it's something I always dreamed of since the process started. This feels like home and I'm glad to be home."

Jones was asked what it is about Pittsburgh that feels like home. 

"Just because of the energy, the vibe I get from everybody in the organization. I feel like I can thrive in a system like that where I feel comfortable."

Georgia practices their "ones against their ones," which means that their starters practice against the starters. When Jones was asked about that and if it is true that is how they practice, he confirmed it is. 

"Man, it's tough. The one thing I remember as a freshman when I first went in, there was this thing called a 'dawg drill.' Basically one on ones, I had to go against six people that all went first round as a freshman just coming in and lost every single rep," Jones chuckled.  "It humbled me. I just continued to work, and better myself. You have no choice but to get better, going against that many first-rounders. Iron sharpens iron."

Jones hasn't had nearly the playing time of some other rookies, having started only 19 games. In part, he had to bide his time and wait for his turn to start. He was asked why he stayed in Georgia and did not go somewhere he could just start right away. Jones said he wanted to be a part of something bigger than him.

"Georgia was the best fit for me. I had the coaches to help me improve my game on and off the field. I decided to stick it out and it worked out for the best." 

When asked why he decided to leave Georgia and not stick it out another year, especially considering that the players now can make NIL deals, he said that he felt his time was done. 

"My job was finished at the University of Georgia - two National Championships, SEC Championships, All-SEC. I feel like I did all I could there, time to move on to bigger and better things."

Jones explained how he chose the number 77 when the Steelers told him it was available. The decision was made to honor Devin Willock who was killed along with Chandler LeCroy, who was a staff member. The two died only hours after the team won their second Natty. LeCroy was driving an SUV and engaging in a drag race against fellow Bulldog star and first-round pick Jalen Carter. 

"My roommate from the University of Georgia, he wore 77. Devin Willock, that passed away in the crash. They told me the number was available and I just wanted to show my respects by taking the number and letting him live through me." 

Being drafted to the NFL is the culmination of a lifelong dream for most players and Jones is no exception. He shared how he felt in the moment that the call came in. Like almost all players, Jones credits his mother and the rest of his family for supporting him through his journey to the pros.   

"Big moment, very emotional, before my mom heard my name on the TV, she was crying because she knew coach was on the phone. It was too much at once for me. I had to just sit back and take a breather."

He said he didn't know it was the Steelers calling, he just heard his phone ring.  

"I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm sitting there, I heard my phone ring, I just answered it." When did he realize it was the Steelers? "When coach said his name, I said, 'Oh yes.'"

The Steelers have already picked up veteran left guard, Isaac Seumalo via free agency as well as Nate Herbig. In addition, Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor are on the roster, both of which started last year. While it is not exactly clear who will start where, Jones was asked if he would be willing to move to the right side since he primarily played on the left side during college. 

"I play wherever the team needs me to play."

Jones says that his time with the Bulldogs helped him get ready to play at the professional level. He spoke about what he learned while he was there.  

"Just playing with an edge. To be the best, you gotta beat the best. Nobody plays as physical as us. Nobody runs the ball like us. Nobody was taking shots down the field like us. You just gotta be able to play dominant. You gotta play tough. You gotta thug it out."

He said he was so excited to be a part of the team and grateful to the guys who reached out to welcome him. When asked who called, he said too many players to count.

"Kenny (Pickett), Najee (Harris), Cam (Heyward), a lot of different players, too many to name. Congratulating me, thanking me. Telling me it's time to work now. I'm ready to get started on my new journey and see what the future holds."    

What do you think about the Steelers' selection of Jones in the first round? Do you think Jones is pro-ready? Do you predict he will start or spend some time learning more behind another player? Tell us your thoughts, click to comment below. 

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