A key member of the Pittsburgh Steelers front office set the record straight about the progress of 2023 first-round draft choice Broderick Jones.
A few day ago, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly had this to about the left tackle battle for Mike Tomlin's team.
Back in April, the Pittsburgh Steelers moved up a few spots in the first round and opted for University of Georgia tackle Broderick Jones. He wasn't a three- or four-year starter with the Bulldogs and there expected to be growing pains. However, being the 14th-overall selection certainly comes with some expectations.
Jones and Dan Moore Jr., the latter entering his third NFL season, are vying for the starting left tackle job. According to Kaboly (via SteelersNation.com), it hasn't gone the rookie's way to date. He had these observations from Saturday's practice.
"Moore was crisp in his sets; his hands were fast and his feet nimble. But what was most notable, other than maybe his playing with confidence was his willingness to finish blocks."
Makes sense. In two season and including playoffs, the 2021 fourth-round pick has made 34 starts.
Steelers: Andy Weidl backs up Broderick Jones
Kaboly wasn't nearly as positive when it came to the talented prospect from the two-time defending National Champions. "Jones appeared hesitant Saturday. He would engage with the defender well enough but wouldn't finish the block. This wasn't once. This was several times. He seemed like an offensive lineman who wasn't sure of what he was doing, and that's understandable."
It is indeed understandable. However, Steelers' assistant general manager Andy Weidl had this to say about Jones.
Perhaps there will a few more questions answered this Friday evening in Tampa as Tomlin's club takes on the Buccaneers. It will be interesting to see how many both Moore and Jones take in this contest.
Rebuilding the offensive line has been an onus for this organization in recent offseasons. Jones is the first offensive lineman drafted in the first round by the Steelers since 2012 (guard David DeCastro) and the first offensive tackle selected in Round 1 since 1996 (Jamain Stephens). The team is certainly hoping Jones' career is more like DeCastro's.
