Steelers trade up to draft blindside blocker Broderick Jones
The Steelers have been rumored to be preparing for a trade-up, and that's exactly what happened Thursday night. Pittsburgh made a deal with the Patriots to land QB Kenny Pickett's future blindside blocker.
With pick No. 14 in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Pittsburgh acquired the pick from New England by sending its first-round pick (No. 17) and fourth-round pick (No. 120) in this year's draft.
There was a run on offensive tackles beginning in the first round ,and the Steelers didn't want to be the odd man out by sticking at pick No. 17. It feels like a good deal for Pittsburgh, as the team only had to give up its fourth-rounder.
Jones, who is only 21, will battle with Dan Moore Jr. for the Steelers' left tackle spot right away, and he may just win the job. The 6-foot-5, 311 pound offensive lineman didn't allow a sack in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.
"Jones is a bully of an offensive tackle. You're not going through him, you'll have to go around," PFF writes.
Pittsburgh still has other needs to address such as cornerback, defensive line and edge-rusher. But with three picks (Nos. 32, 49 and 80) still to come on day two, the Steelers are in a great position after night one.
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