Omar Khan has largely achieved an ideal job rebuilding the Steelers’ roster, however one in every of his earliest large swings—buying and selling up for OT Broderick Jones within the 2023 draft—nonetheless hasn’t paid off. Coming into Yr 3, the hope is that adjustments. Defending a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers is paramount to the Steelers’ success, and Jones must be an enormous a part of that on his blind facet.
In keeping with the Pittsburgh Publish-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers appear cautiously optimistic about Jones.
“They actually, actually assume Broderick Jones is immensely gifted. They’d similar to to see him mature sort of professionally, personally – take his job and his occupation just a bit extra significantly,” Dulac mentioned through Steve Jones Present.
The Steelers knew what they signed up for with Jones after they drafted him. He was simply 21 years outdated with very restricted beginning expertise in faculty. He was all the time a little bit of a undertaking, however his second 12 months wasn’t the step ahead that many anticipated. He handled varied accidents and wore a brace for a part of the 12 months. Whether or not it was the accidents or enjoying out of place on the suitable facet, these excuses at the moment are gone. Jones would be the beginning left deal with with large expectations for 2025.
Jones has all the time been unafraid to talk his thoughts when speaking to the media, typically to his detriment. However that is the primary I’ve heard of supposed maturity points. If it’s any indication of his dedication, Jones confirmed up within the finest form of his life to spring practices at 305 kilos, down 20 from the 2024 season.
Tomlin spoke extremely of Jones popping out of his rookie season and in contrast him to a younger Maurkice Pouncey when it comes to his management capabilities for a transitioning offensive line. Now he is among the most veteran gamers on that offensive line, getting into a crucial season earlier than the Steelers determine on his fifth-year choice. He has an opportunity to be a cornerstone piece of a younger line, however he may simply as simply find yourself being the draft decide remembered for setting again the rebuild by one other couple of years.
