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The Pittsburgh Steelers have greatly improved their team from the 2022 season. Pittsburgh has added multiple players on both offense and defense that will help them get back to the playoffs. Omar Khan has bolstered the Steelers' roster and brought in a future starter like 2023 first-round pick, Broderick Jones and added great depth pieces such as free agent addition Nate Herbig. Pittsburgh was back at it on Tuesday, adding some extra depth on defensive line.
Pittsburgh claimed defensive tackle, Manny Jones on Tuesday. Jones was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. He was up and down between Arizona's practice squad and active roster in his rookie year, only appearing in four total games. Jones has six career tackles in his limited time playing in the NFL.
#Steelers awarded defensive lineman Manny Jones off waivers from #Cardinals, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 16, 2023
Jones played five seasons at Colorado State from 2017-2021. Starting as a linebacker in 2017, Jones later moved to defensive end in 2018-19 and finished his college career playing defensive tackle in his final two years. He collected 181 total tackles in 50 games during his college career.
Jones had his best season in 2019, racking up 54 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks in 12 games. He is good at rushing the passer and defending the run. While he didn't play much in his rookie year, he had a few plays where one can see his upside.
Play of the game: Week 16 of the regular seaon, The Falcons motion the fullback in the pistol to form the I formation. They down block towards the strong side where the tight end is lined up. Number 96 Manny Jones completely obliterates the LT off the snap blowing up the play. pic.twitter.com/bihda0HOk0
— AZSPORTS Underground (@AZSports_UNDGND) February 20, 2023
Jones is athletic for his size with good quickness and change of direction. He gives effort on every play with his sacks and pressures being a product of hustle. He has the versatility to play both defensive tackle and end, which makes him even more valuable as a great depth piece.
Steelers' Defensive Line Depth
Pittsburgh will be rolling out Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi as their primary defensive tackles in 2023. Montravius Adams, 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton, free agent addition Armon Watts and second-year player DeMarvin Leal will rotate with them on the interior. Jones will slot in behind those guys on the depth chart, alongside free agent addition Breiden Fehoko and others.
We have placed DT Renell Wren on the Reserve/Injured List. As a result, he will miss the entire 2023 season for the #Steelers. @BordasLaw pic.twitter.com/QPjTGJ0Jqa
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 16, 2023
Pittsburgh lost some defensive line depth on Tuesday as well. Renell Wren will miss the entire 2023 season after being placed on Injured Reserve. Wren was a fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019. Pittsburgh signed him to their practice squad in September of 2022. Although he didn't make the active roster last year, Wren signed a reserve/future contract for the 2023 season in January.
Wren being out for the year could have been one of the bigger reasons that the team claimed Jones. The Steelers claimed a young player with some decent upside to add to their depth. Pittsburgh might be adding even more on defense in the coming days. They met with free agent linebacker, Kwon Alexander on Monday.
Do you like the Steelers' latest waiver claim of Manny Jones to add to the defensive line depth? Would you like them to sign Kwon Alexander?
More must-reads:
- Five undrafted rookie free agents who should make a 53-man NFL roster
- Insider says Giants’ interest in drafting a QB was a smokescreen
- The 'Most career passing touchdowns' quiz
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