Steelers Solve Big Broderick Jones Problem By Drafting "Human Fork-Lift" In 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an interesting time trying to develop Broderick Jones. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made the move to trade up in the draft to select Jones 14th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Georgia Bulldogs football prospect came in with limited starting experience and was thrust into a position that was not natural to him. At times during the 2025 season, Jones looked improved, and many pointed out that he appeared to be turning a corner. Then his injury occurred, and there has been a mystery surrounding his status ever since.

In Week 12 of the 2025 season, Jones was believed to have suffered a stinger in his neck. The situation surrounding the injury has remained vague, but it is believed that he underwent spinal fusion surgery. Khan has made it clear that the team is monitoring his progress closely, but no one seems to know if he will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. At this point, that appears unlikely, which is a concern. Given the uncertainty around Jones’ injury, it may be wise to add another young tackle prospect to develop and grow with this young Steelers offensive line.

On Thursday, NFL Draft expert Ryan Wilson floated the idea, while speaking on CBS Sports, that Khan and new Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy should select Kadyn Proctor, an offensive tackle prospect out of Alabama. Wilson cited the Jones situation as the primary reason he believes Pittsburgh should take Proctor 21st overall.

"I would give serious consideration, and I know you guys have hesitation, but Kadyn Proctor makes a ton of sense if you were concerned about Broderick Jones and the spinal-fusion surgery he had in December," Wilson said while speaking on the show on Thursday. "How comfortable are you, if you get three games worth of an undrafted free agent [Dylan Cook], starting as a very young player, and holding his own as a left tackle moving forward with that? I'm all in on Kadyn Proctor."

Proctor is an interesting prospect, and the Steelers could certainly make the case that he fills a first-round need. However, much of that decision depends on Jones and when he can return from injury. Even before that, there have been concerns about whether Jones has the talent to be a long-term starting tackle in the NFL. It may be time for Khan and McCarthy to consider finding another young tackle.

What makes Proctor especially interesting is that some scouts believe he may be better suited to play guard at the NFL level. The Steelers need a tackle, and that carries its own risk to rely on a rookie to step in as a Week 1 starter in the 2026 season.

Steelers Should Consider Kadyn Proctor In Round 1 Of 2026 NFL Draft

Still, it is an intriguing idea. The general consensus is that Proctor will be selected somewhere in the 15 to 27 range, which aligns well with where Pittsburgh could draft him at fair value. Proctor is an exciting prospect because of his size and athleticism. At 6'7", 352 pounds, he has been described as a "human forklift," and Wilson believes Pittsburgh should strongly consider selecting him if he is available at No. 21 in the first round.

The Steelers have several key needs, and taking a tackle in Round 1 may not be the most popular choice. However, Proctor brings a lot of exciting traits, and he was used in some unique ways with the Crimson Tide. The Steelers should strongly consider him at this spot if the board breaks that way.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation