Steelers' Broderick Jones Credits Georgia Pedigree For Preparing Him For 1st NFL Action

The Pittsburgh Steelers played their first preseason game on Friday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For many players on the team, it was their debut as a Steeler, and for some, it was their NFL debut as well. One of those players making their first appearance in an NFL game was the Steelers first-round pick, Broderick Jones. In an interview Tuesday with DK Pittsburgh Sports reporter Corey Crisan, Jones talked about how he felt when playing in his first NFL game and how his time in college at Georgia prepared it.

Jones played more offensive snaps in the team's first preseason game than any other player on the team. This was not surprising as he is in a position battle with starting left tackle, Dan Moore Jr., and the coaching staff wants to give him all the experience possible in the preseason. Jones played 49 of the 60 offensive snaps for the Steelers versus the Buccaneers.

Due to the amount of playing time Jones had, he definitely has a grasp on the speed, strength and athleticism of guys playing at the NFL level. Jones was asked if his first time on an NFL field was what he anticipated. 

"Yeah it was what I thought it would be. You know just the speed of things, the physicality the game is played with, so you know it was what I expected for the most part. It was fun being back out there, all of us being on one team instead of butting heads against each other."

Jones is lucky to be on a team like the Steelers that has some of the best edge rushers in the NFL. Practicing against Alex Highsmith everyday will surely get him ready for any action he will see in the NFL. Going into practice every day with a position battle looming over his head will also cause him to play at game speed during every repetition. This paired with his college experience of playing in the SEC and at a power house like Georgia was certain to have him ready for a preseason game in the league. 

Steelers' Jones Has Been Preparing For The NFL Since He Got To College

The closest thing to playing professional football in college is playing in the SEC. Playing at a school like Georgia that is expected to be great and make a run through the College Football Playoffs will help with the pressure that comes with playing in the NFL. 

Playing against schools such as LSU, Auburn, Florida or Tennessee will also give a player the closest thing to an NFL competition experience that is available at the collegiate level. Schools in the SEC consistently provide the NFL with most of its top draft picks. 

Not only does playing against the best competition available help a player prepare for the pros, but so does practicing against the best competition available. Jones practiced across from some of the best defensive linemen and edge rushers that were selected in the draft over the past couple of years. 

The number one selection in 2022 was Travon Walker, who is an outside linebacker that played at Georgia, Nolan Smith was an edge rusher at Georgia that was selected 30th overall in 2023 and Azeez Ojulari is an outside linebacker with the New York Giants that practiced against Jones at Georgia. Jones was asked if the skill gap between Georgia and the NFL is as large as some might think. 

"No. Georgia does a great job of producing defensive linemen so just being able to go against guys like Nolan [Smith], Travon [Walker], and Azeez [Ojulari], I feel like it prepared me a lot for the next level."

Jones isn't the only Steelers draft pick who is reaping the rewards of playing at a college power house like Georgia. Third-round selection, Darnell Washington, has also been making some noise in training camp. He is expected to be relied on especially for his blocking, and he has reportedly been winning reps against former NFL AP Defensive Player Of The Year, TJ Watt. Even playing tight end at Georgia and having to block elite edge rushers can prepare you for the NFL. 

What do you think of Jones' comments Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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