The Pittsburgh Steelers had a very productive rookie class in 2023. Looking to 2024, they hope to enjoy a second-year leap from the same group of players. That starts with Broderick Jones, the team’s first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh traded up with the New England Patriots to draft Jones 14th overall, securing who they hope to be their left tackle for the next decade.
Broderick Jones Sophomore Season Outlook
Rookie Season Recap
Despite Pittsburgh trading up in the draft to acquire Jones, it was understood he would not be an instant starter. With potential through the roof, Jones was still raw. The Steelers were confident enough in their pairing of Chukwuma Okorafor and Dan Moore Jr. that Jones started the season on the bench. Jones was inserted into the starting lineup for two games in Week 4 due to an injury to Moore before moving back to the bench. In Week 9, after Okorafor was benched, Broderick Jones moved into the starting lineup permanently, this time at right tackle.
Strong Run Blocker
When Jones was on the field, the Steelers run game was noticeably better. Down the stretch of last season, as Pittsburgh made their push for the playoffs, their rushing attack was dominant. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris were both very productive and the offensive line looked great in the run game. Jones was a big component of this rushing success. His athleticism allows him to easily get out in space and to the second level. His hands are strong, helping him secure numerous pancake blocks along the way.
Pass Protection
Pass blocking is the area where Broderick Jones needs the most improvement heading into 2024. He wasn’t necessarily bad in that regard, but he has a lot of growing to do. Physically, the tools are there for Jones to become a dominant all-around tackle. Technically, he needs improvement, but Pittsburgh knew that when they drafted him. As Jones gets more reps and more coaching, he will become a more technical and smarter pass blocker. He held his own for a raw rookie playing out of his natural position; Jones is meant to be a left tackle.
Looking Ahead to 2024
In an ideal world, Jones would be the Steelers left tackle entering the 2024 season. While talking to the media, Omar Khan left no doubt the Steelers drafted Jones to be a left tackle and will move him back there eventually. Mike Tomlin, though, is not so sure that move will occur in 2024.
Unfortunately for Jones, he is playing out of position through no fault of his own. Dan Moore, while the obvious weak link on the Steelers offensive line, is much better at left tackle than right tackle. If the Steelers can find a right tackle, they would slide Jones to the left side and Moore to the bench in a heartbeat. In the draft, Pittsburgh could draft a starting-caliber right tackle with the 20th pick if one falls to them. If not, they will likely address center on wide receiver with that pick, which would probably mean another season at right tackle for Broderick Jones.
Whether he plays on the right side, the expectation is for Jones to make a big sophomore season jump. Playing out of position will be no excuse if he spends the whole offseason preparing to play right tackle. In the running game, he just needs to show more of the same from 2023. It is pass blocking where Jones needs to look more comfortable and prepared. He has all the necessary tools and he has a year of experience under his belt. He was only penalized twice in 2023, which is a strong foundation to build on. The Steelers traded up in the draft to acquire what they expected to be a franchise tackle; 2024 is the year Jones can start living up to that label.
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