Steelers OC Matt Canada Shares Exciting Praise About Rookie Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers' first round pick from the University of Georgia has already started to make a name for himself after preseason. Rookies like him are thought to have a tough time acclimating to the level of intensity that comes with playing in the NFL. For offensive tackle Broderick Jones, that is far from the truth. Since Jamain Stephens was selected in the first round in 1996, Jones is the first offensive lineman Pittsburgh has selected in that round.

Jones received First Team All-SEC recognition for his performance this past season, his first as a full-time starter, in which he blocked for 470 passes while allowing only seven QB pressures, two quarterback hits, and zero sacks. During the preseason, Jones was used almost entirely by the second and third teams with Dan Moore Jr. starting at left tackle. Although there is always room for improvement, he felt as though he had moved in the correct direction. With Kenny Pickett as their quarterback and Jones protecting him, the Steelers may already have the groundwork necessary for their offense to succeed this season.

Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada recently raved about Jones.

“I really like him. I think he plays super hard. I think he does everything you'd like a guy to do."

Since drafting guard David DeCastro in 2012, Jones is the only offensive lineman the Steelers have selected in the first round. The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Jones play with the Bulldogs, during which time he captured back-to-back national titles. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 310-pounds, Jones started each of Georgia's 15 contests. During his tenure at Georgia, Jones' outstanding agility and skill were two things that really stood out to his coaches.

Jones can mimic pass rushers with his quick feet and kick slide, making it difficult for them to gain yardage when he plays with strong pad level in pass protection. He is simply too swift and makes use of his length to get his hands on opponents. When going out as a run blocker, Jones exhibits a great knowledge of angles and is quick to react to stunts up front. He is a cerebral player who has flexibility and demonstrates a solid feel for combination blocks. 

Along with this, Jones is also capable of sealing the back side on reach blocks. He should go away from the preseason with improved footwork, hands, and understanding that he can compete against professionals while still playing within his game and style of play. If Jones doesn't play during their first game against the San Francisco 49ers, he will join Pickett as the only first-round choices by the Steelers since Artie Burns in 2016 to sit out a season opener. Given that there are 17 games, it's highly improbable that Jones won't play this fall if he's healthy.

“The love of the game is what keeps it going,” Jones said. “It gets tough. It’s fun on game days and stuff, but the actual preparation of it has to be next-level, which is draining. If you truly love what you are doing, at the end of the day, you are going to do it.”

Moore Jr. was named as the starter ahead of Jones on the team's initial depth chart announcement. In 2021, Moore became the team's first rookie to start at left tackle. He played and started every game in each of his first two seasons, blocking for a runner who amassed 1,000 yards in both 2021 and 2022 in Najee Harris.

The third-year tackle Moore, according to the rookie, has been a huge help by remaining late after practice and offering his knowledge, especially about how to use his hands in pass protection. Prior to the 2023 season, it seems that Moore and Jones get along well. Jones asserted that he was aware of the work at hand and that he never perceived Moore's competition for the left tackle position as a rivalry. The best person will start, he said, adding that he and Moore have no animosity toward one another regardless of what happens this season. 

Pittsburgh will undoubtedly require more than simply an OT who is just getting his NFL career started. The left tackle for the Steelers, who will most likely be Moore, will need to be able to block players like Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and Nick Bosa. However, given that Moore will be serving as his mentor, Jones should continue improving and be pleased with his performance thus far.

Do you anticipate Jones to take to the field in the first few weeks of the regular season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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