Steelers Have New Favorite With First-Round Pick
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have seemed to be a team locked into the cornerback position in the 2023 NFL Draft. But as we enter the final few weeks before the draft, the thought with their first-round pick seems to be changing.
After the consistent trend of cornerbacks being taken at 17, with Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. leading the way, many NFL Draft experts now believe the Steelers will go with an offensive tackle - and more specifically, one name in particular.
In ESPN's Todd McShay's latest mock, the Steelers land Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones, who would come in and immediately compete with Dan Moore Jr. as the team's starter. This is the second time Jones has been mocked to Pittsburgh, with NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah labeling it a "dream scenario" for the Steelers.
"Pittsburgh brought in Isaac Seumalo this March to shore up the interior offensive line, but there are still questions at offensive tackle," McShay writes. "And protection is key when you have a young QB running the offense. Jones allowed zero sacks over 15 starts last season, showcasing quick feet and explosive upper-body power for the national champion Bulldogs, and he’d be a good value get at this point in the draft. Jones would also help open lanes for Najee Harris in the run game."
Pro Football Focus followed suit, but have the Steelers being more aggressive to go get their guy in the first round. In their three-round mock draft, PFF says the Steelers will trade from 17 up to 12 to select Jones as well.
"The Steelers saw the tackle run and decided to flip Pick Nos. 17, 80 and 120 to jump the tackle-needy Jets for Broderick Jones," PFF writes. "He could truthfully replace either of the Steelers' starters on the outside from last year.
Jones is considered one of the best offensive tackles in the draft, and standing 6'5, 311 pounds, he's expected to be an immediate starter in the NFL.
If the Steelers believe they're one piece away from finishing their offensive line, that piece will be left tackle. They met with Jones at the NFL Combine and attended his Pro Day at Georgia, and if he's the name to watch moving forward, Kenny Pickett likely won't be too upset about it.
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