In the 2023 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers were determined to draft former Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. The front office was so impressed with Jones that they traded up in the round to select him. However, despite his high draft pick, Jones did not immediately secure the starting position.
The team took their time before putting Jones in the starting lineup, but once he got there, he showed off the skills that made him such a valuable addition to the team. Jones started in 11 games during the final season and significantly improved the team’s run game. Despite his success in the previous season, Pro Football Focus did not include Jones on their list of five offensive linemen to watch for a breakout in 2024.
Undeterred by this oversight, the Steelers went back to the first round of the 2024 NFL draft to pick up Troy Fautanu. With Fautanu in the lineup, Jones will now be able to play at his natural position of left tackle while Fautanu lines up on the right side. The team remains confident in Jones, believing he is one of the best young offensive linemen in the NFL and is primed for a standout season. The story was originally featured on Steelers Wire.