Steelers' Broderick Jones' Downfall Revealed By OL Expert: "Be More Reliable"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been focused on improving the offensive line for the last several years. The free agency additions of James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo prove that, as does picking an offensive lineman in the first round of the last two NFL Drafts. In 2023, that offensive lineman was Broderick Jones, who the Steelers traded up in the first round to select. He was in a training camp battle with Dan Moore Jr., and didn't start his first game until Week 5.

Jones was drafted as a left tackle, and started his first game in relief of an injured Moore at left tackle. However, when he became a consistent starter, it was at right tackle after Chukwuma Okorafor was benched midseason. Jones is moving back to left tackle in 2024, and could help the Steelers' offensive line take a step forward according to Brandon Thorn. Thorn is an offensive line analyst, and during a recent appearance on The Athletic Football Show, he discussed Jones' performance in 2023 and what needs to happen going forward.

"I think he was a really good run blocker, did some really nice things in the run game. They pulled him at right tackle and featured his athletic ability and his explosiveness really well, but pass protection was a wild ride, and I think it could be again this year, switching spots back to left after he played that in college."

Thorn is clearly concerned with how much Pittsburgh has moved Jones around so far in his career. It's hard for tackles to constantly be adjusting from playing different sides, and now, most of Jones' experience at the professional level is on the right side. Pittsburgh wants him back at left, while 2024 first-rounder, Troy Fautanu, will fight for the right tackle spot with Moore. Thorn spoke more about Jones' struggles in pass protection.

"That's a lot of bouncing around. He does have that run-game aspect of his game to hang his hat on, which is nice to build confidence, but I think if he could take a step in pass protection and be more reliable, I'm just talking solid, reliable level, then the Steelers' offensive line could be really good this season."

According to Pro Football Focus, Jones was consistently better in the run game, while struggling in the pass game throughout the entire season. He allowed 29 pressures and 4 sacks, which is an issue going forward, considering Russell Wilson's history with taking sacks. 

Steelers' Broderick Jones Isn't The Only Offensive Lineman That Will Need To Step Up

Pittsburgh has a lot riding on the offensive line as they enter the 2024 season. New Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith operates a run-heavy offense, which will rely heavily on the offensive line. Both guards, Seumalo and Daniels, are as reliable and consistent as they come. Meanwhile, the rest of the unit will be young and inexperienced. 

Jones will be the starting left tackle going into 2024, and he has only played just over 100 snaps at the position at the NFL level. Thorn made it clear that improvements need to be seen from him in pass protection.

The rest of the offensive line will be made up of rookies, at least at some point. Both Zach Frazier and Fautanu will need to earn their starting spots, but that is expected to happen in Latrobe. Fautanu will be competing with Moore for the starting right tackle job, and Moore has made it clear he doesn't feel comfortable playing on the right side of the line. Frazier will be going up against Nate Herbig for the starting center job, who barely has more experience than Frazier at the center spot in the NFL.

Pittsburgh's offense will be young going into 2024, but it also has a chance to be really good. New faces on the field and new faces on the sideline are a good reason to optimistic for the upcoming season.

What do you think of Thorn's concerns with Jones? Comment below.

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