Fittipaldo: Steelers' Broderick Jones "Isn't Ready" To Be Starting Offensive Tackle

The Pittsburgh Steelers jumped up three spots in the 2023 NFL Draft to select former University of Georgia offensive tackle, Broderick Jones. Rookies have historically had to seriously earn any kind of playing time during the Mike Tomlin era. Jones' situation has been no different. Pittsburgh has two veterans at the tackle positions in Dan Moore Jr. and Chukwuma Okorafor. Jones got his first career start in Week 5 as Moore Jr. was dealing with a knee injury. He played well, but after the Week 6 bye, Moore Jr. hopped back into the starting spot on the left side, leaving Steelers fans upset.

Tomlin spoke to the media on Tuesday and was very clear about how he feels regarding the left tackle situation. He was impressed and pleased with how Moore Jr. performed in his return from injury.

"I thought he was really solid. Man, not only his play, but also his demeanor. He brings a grown man approach to it. Thought he was really good," Tomlin said.

That doesn't sound like a guy who is ready to start his rookie offensive lineman on the left side over the veteran. It's apparent where Tomlin stands and Steelers insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo, is on the same page. He wrote to fans in a chat on Tuesday that Jones is not ready to jump in and be the guy permanently.

"My take is Jones isn't ready for a full-time gig as a starter. At least that's [what] I think the coaches think."

It's not necessarily a head-scratcher, but Jones was selected 14th overall and fans are losing patience to see him as the full-time starter. Second-round pick, Joey Porter Jr. is on a much better track to start sooner. It seems as if Moore Jr. will really have to slip up if the coaching staff is going to decide to make a change. There always is the scenario that Okorafor performs poorly and Moore Jr. slides over to the right side, while Jones takes care of the left.

Steelers' Jones Will Get His Opportunities In Time

There isn't a scenario where Jones doesn't become the full-time starter at some point. What year that comes is a completely different conversation. Pittsburgh's offensive line significantly improved after the bye week in 2022 and the hope is the same thing plays out in 2023. The unit got off to a good start in Week 7 as the offense produced three rushing touchdowns.

Overall, it can be looked at as a positive situation. Jones is going to be the guy long-term, but what's the rush to throw him into the fire if two veterans are playing well? It might not appease fans, but if he's not ready for a full workload, then he's not ready. Tomlin is evidently rewarding Moore Jr., who has been a part of the organization since 2021, and has started 38 total games.

The bright side is that it's not like Jones began starting and played so bad that he already had to be replaced less than two months into the season. The depth the Steelers have at the tackle position currently is extremely advantageous. Time will tell when Jones becomes the first-stringer, but for now, fans are going to have to patiently wait. Rooting for Moore Jr. or Okorafor to struggle is counterproductive at this juncture.

The situation really shouldn't be perceived as a negative one in Pittsburgh. Jones is slowly developing in practice and has already received some in-game reps, and looked good when out there. He will be the starting left tackle of the future for the Steelers, but his time hasn't exactly come yet. The current reality is much better than him already being a bust of a first-round draft pick.

Do you think that Jones should have been named the Steelers starting left tackle by now? Let us know in the comments below!

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