Omar Khan has largely done a great job rebuilding the Steelers’ roster, but one of his earliest big swings—trading up for OT Broderick Jones in the 2023 draft—still hasn’t paid off. Entering Year 3, the hope is that changes. Protecting a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers is paramount to the Steelers’ success, and Jones needs to be a big part of that on his blind side.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers seem cautiously optimistic about Jones.
“They really, really think Broderick Jones is immensely talented. They would just like to see him mature kind of professionally, personally – take his job and his profession just a little more seriously,” Dulac said via Steve Jones Show.
The Steelers knew what they signed up for with Jones when they drafted him. He was just 21 years old with very limited starting experience in college. He was always a bit of a project, but his second year wasn’t the step forward that many expected. He dealt with various injuries and wore a brace for part of the year. Whether it was the injuries or playing out of position on the right side, those excuses are now gone. Jones will be the starting left tackle with big expectations for 2025.
Jones has always been unafraid to speak his mind when talking to the media, sometimes to his detriment. But this is the first I’ve heard of supposed maturity issues. If it’s any indication of his commitment, Jones showed up in the best shape of his life to spring practices at 305 pounds, down 20 from the 2024 season.
Tomlin spoke highly of Jones coming out of his rookie season and compared him to a young Maurkice Pouncey in terms of his leadership capabilities for a transitioning offensive line. Now he is one of the most veteran players on that offensive line, entering a critical season before the Steelers decide on his fifth-year option. He has a chance to be a cornerstone piece of a young line, but he could just as easily end up being the draft pick remembered for setting back the rebuild by another couple of years.
