Steelers Draft Analysis: Patience is Key With Broderick Jones
It very much felt like an inevitability that the tackle run in the first round was going to be quick and violent. The Pittsburgh Steelers seeing the tackles go off the board in droves decided to take the initiative, packaging the 120th pick and 17 to move up to 14 to be able to jump the New York Jets and Washington Commanders who had a very high interest in taking a tackle, specifically the Jets, who have been linked to Broderick Jones a lot throughout the process.
Pittsburgh needed to, at the very least, add depth to their tackle room as they were very fortunate to have escaped injuries at that position the prior season. Just what type of player are the Steelers getting in Broderick Jones? Here's what some respected analysts have to say about Jones.
Dane Brugler: OT 2, 15th Overall
"A one-and-a-half-year starter at Georgia, Jones filled in for Jamaree Salyer in 2021 before becoming the full-time left tackle in 2022 in former offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s balanced scheme. Left tackle for the Bulldogs has become a feeder position to the NFL as Isaiah Wynn, Andrew Thomas and Salyer preceded Jones protecting the blindside in Athens. A former basketball player, Jones displays outstanding feet, coordination and recovery skills and disrupts the rhythm of rushers when he unlocks his hips and transfers power from his lower body to his hands. However, he needs to do a better job of keeping his upper and lower halves on the same page and will require time at the next level for his technique to catch up to his talent. Overall, Jones lacks ideal refinement and experience (fewest number of college snaps among FBS offensive tackles in this class), but with his movement skills, raw power and finishing violence, the necessary tools are there for him to be a decade-long starter in the NFL. He should be one of the first linemen drafted, and his NFL projection ranges from solid starter to Pro Bowler."
Lance Zierlein: OT 2, 17th overall
"Ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side. Jones’ frame and technique both are in the developmental phase. His entry into block fits can be a little disjointed. He needs to improve his punch accuracy and timing to make the most of his length in pass protection. Jones is very talented at working into space and landing a block to help spring the running game. He has the nimble feet to mirror or recover against the rush. Jones isn’t a finished product, but the physical and athletic gifts allow for a projection as a good, long-time starter."
My Analysis: OT 4, 22nd overall
Broderick Jones possesses the highest upside of any tackle in this year's class due to his absurd athletic traits and his absurd torque to generate power with his wide stance. You get this guy on the move in space, and he's going to run defenders into the turf. He is a truck pulling out in space.
That athleticism also translates well to his kick set, where he can absolutely explode out of his stance, making it very tough to beat him around the edge when it comes to explosive get-offs and speed on the outside.
Jones has violent hands-on contact, with an almost 11-inch hand size that allows him to jolt linemen on contact, though his hand placement and overall usage will need to improve in that regard.
Year 1 expectations will have to be tempered though. While there is a very good chance he will start in his rookie year, there is quite a bit that will need to be worked on overall. He has issues with hand placement, as he tends to carry his hands too wide which leaves his chest open to bull rushes. Isaiah McGuire of Missouri was able to have his way with him due to this technical deficiency.
He also has real issues with ducking his head a bit on contact, which shows up more in the run game, and when he's reach blocking, which makes him susceptible swim over moves. These things are very correctable but may take time to fix.
Draft Day Grade: B
Broderick Jones is not my favorite tackle in the class, but I love the upside that comes with this pick and believe Pat Meyer is the type of coach to get the most out of him. I think the floor with Jones is lower than people might think and there is definitely more rawness to his game than some are willing to admit, but this pick makes a ton of sense and the value aligns enough for me.
It was imperative that the Steelers leave this draft with a tackle with the lack of depth they have at the position and while first-round picks have started lately for the Steelers, we could see them opt to keep him on the bench to let him develop further and not put him through the trial by fire that Dan Moore was subjected to.
Patience must be stressed within the fanbase, but the potential past his rookie year is sky-high. Pittsburgh took a very calculated risk, and now they don't have to stress reaching for a tackle and can instead devote their attention to what is an extremely deep cornerback class.
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