Steelers first-round pick could have tough NFL welcome
The NFL released the complete 2023 schedule on Thursday night and offensive tackle Broderick Jones, the Steelers' 2023 first-round pick, may be tested right away.
Pittsburgh plays the 49ers, Browns and Raiders in Weeks 1-3 to start the season. If Jones is the starter at left tackle, that means he'll be going against the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year in Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby to begin his NFL career.
Not many people would sign up to kick off their NFL career by facing three of the top pass rushers in the league, but there's a reason the Steelers traded up to land Jones as he stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 311 pounds.
"Jones is a bully of an offensive tackle. You're not going through him, you'll have to go around," Pro Football Focus writes.
However, he will first have to beat out Dan Moore Jr. for the starting spot during training camp and preseason. If Jones can do so, he will have the opportunity to prove Pittsburgh right for drafting him.
Jones didn't allow a sack in 2022, according to PFF, but starting with Bosa, Garrett and Crosby, who combined for 47 sacks a year ago, is certainly no easy task.
Welcome to the NFL, rookie.
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