The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Broderick Jones out of Georgia, and he ended up starting in 11 games as a rookie. The hulking offensive lineman showed room for improvement, but turned in a 2023 season that proved the Steelers' front office correct. With the 2024 NFL Combine coming to a close, all eyes are turned towards the draft, where one of Jones' former Georgia teammates could be on Pittsburgh's radar.
Amarius Mims played with Jones at Georgia, along with Steelers tight end, Darnell Washington. During the 2024 NFL Combine, Mims talked to reporters and answered questions. The 6'7", 340-pound offensive tackle spoke highly of Jones and the impact he had while they played together.
"Brod [Broderick Jones] was a great teammate, like I said. He helped me like, more off the field than on the field. Like I said, he was a year older than me, like, he's been shown the ropes longer than I have, so he didn't have to, but he took time to show me little things like watching film, break down film, like how to turn the switch on and off, when to be serious and when you can actually have a little fun. So, I'm very thankful to Broderick for the times he spent with me."
Mims was immediately asked whether he and Jones had been in contact during the combine process. The way Mims' face lit up in a grin answered the question, but the former Georgia lineman elaborated about what Jones has done for him.
"Oh yeah! 100%! What to be prepared for coming to the combine, you know, it's really a job interview, so he's prepared me a lot."
For Jones to be a source of advice and help for Mims is a testament to the character of Pittsburgh's offensive tackle. Considering that the trio of former Georgia players already on the team (George Pickens, Washington, and Jones) are turning into major contributors, the idea of adding another doesn't seem like the worst idea.
Mims is viewed as a lineman with elite potential, so depending on where the Steelers see him on their board, he could be long gone by the time they look at the position. With cornerback and center both a high priority for Pittsburgh, it could come down to whether Mims is even available, or if the Steelers want to try another big trade. Either way, it's wonderful to see the Steelers' young offensive lineman already mentoring incoming prospects.
Steelers Looking For Even More From Jones
When a team like the Steelers takes a big swing by trading up in the first round for an offensive tackle, the hope is that they hit the ground running. While Jones did end up starting in 11 games for the Steelers during his 2023 rookie season, it wasn't all smooth sailing.
Jones' first start came on the left side of the line in early October against the Baltimore Ravens in place of an injured Dan Moore Jr.. The remainder of his starts came at the right side, which is not the natural side that Jones was used to being on. The need arose when it became apparent that Chukwuma Okorafor wasn't up to the task, and Jones stepped in and didn't look back.
Now that Jones has started to come along as the Steelers hoped when they drafted him, the next step is for him to continue growing. Omar Khan made it very clear that while Jones did play mostly right tackle in 2023, they want him back on the left side. The goal for the 2023 offseason was to build up the trenches, and that is something Khan, Andy Weidl, and Mike Tomlin take very seriously. They believe they have found their tackle for the future, now to continue working with that foundation.
With an impressive young backfield of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh is eager to continue the rushing attack they saw come to life in the final three weeks of the 2023 season. Considering the Steelers aren't fully committed to any quarterback for the 2024 season, the running game could play a crucial role in righting the ship. If Jones and the rest of the offensive line can gel together and create a cohesive unit, it could be a very fun campaign to watch.
Who should the Steelers take with their 2024 first-round draft pick?
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