Aaron Rodgers joked with offensive tackle Broderick Jones after a playful tackle during a game, reminding him he's 41 and shouldn't be tackled like that, leading to lighthearted banter between the two players.
Broderick Jones, the Steelers' first-round pick in 2023, showed promising progress in his preseason debut as a left tackle, effectively protecting against a top edge rusher and demonstrating improved technique and consistency, marking a positive step in his development.
The article highlights key players to watch in the Steelers' preseason opener against the Jaguars, focusing on rookies like Yahya Black and Broderick Jones, as well as veterans and new signings, emphasizing their roles and potential impact as the team prepares for the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan discussed the team's openness to all options at quarterback, including potential big moves, and expressed interest in re-signing Mason Rudolph. Additionally, Khan revealed that the team views Broderick Jones as a left tackle, potentially impacting their approach to improving the tackle position. The Steelers' upcoming moves remain uncertain, but Khan's willingness to be aggressive signals a promising change for the team.
Pittsburgh Steelers' left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is expected to be out for an extended period of time due to a knee sprain, paving the way for rookie Broderick Jones to take over the starting position. The Steelers have always viewed Jones as their long-term solution at left tackle, and if he performs well in Moore's absence, he could solidify his position in the lineup. This timing allows Jones to prepare as a starter for one game, followed by a week of evaluation and targeted coaching during the bye week.
Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones had an up-and-down NFL preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he showed promise with his athleticism and aggressive approach in the running game, Jones struggled with maintaining blocks and using his hands effectively in pass protection. He will need to refine his technique before being ready to start at left tackle for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Broderick Jones relied on Uber for transportation to the team's training camp at Saint Vincent College. Jones, a first-round draft pick, arrived later than his fellow rookies and had to find his own ride. He spent approximately $50 on an Uber fare and was surprised when the driver recognized him. Jones is now focused on making the most of his training camp experience and competing for the starting left tackle position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their organized team activities with five key talking points to focus on, including the quarterback situation with Kenny Pickett, Dan Moore's left tackle spot, Joey Porter Jr.'s role in the secondary, the inside linebacker position, and Calvin Austin's speedy recovery from foot surgery. The workouts are voluntary yet heavily attended and represent the first time since the season ended that the Steelers will be on the practice field in an official capacity.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned several players during the team's rookie minicamp, including quarterback Tanner Morgan, who is currently the only player on the 90-man roster for the third spot. Tomlin also spoke about the team's first-round pick Broderick Jones and his enthusiasm to be coached, as well as rookie corner Corey Trice Jr. who fell to the seventh round in the draft. Tomlin noted that he hasn't seen much from the other rookie quarterbacks, Bryce Perkins and Hunter Johnson, but praised their attentiveness and professionalism.
The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their rookie minicamp with a focus on technique, including Keeanu Benton's stance and Darnell Washington's impressive blocking. Coaches emphasized footwork and timing with quarterbacks, particularly Bryce Perkins. Head coach Mike Tomlin watched first-round draft pick Broderick Jones work on his posture with coach Pat Meyer. Edge rusher Nick Herbig worked on maximizing his length with a long arm move.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh denied that the team lost out on Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones in the 2023 NFL Draft, implying that they would have drafted Iowa State pass rusher Will McDonald IV at 14 instead. Saleh praised McDonald's talent and upside, and the Jets' draft room reaction after selecting him seemed like genuine excitement. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to 14 to draft Jones, but Saleh suggested that another team could have done the same.
ESPN NFL Draft analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller praised the Pittsburgh Steelers for selecting Cory Trice Jr. in the 7th round, calling it the best value pick of the round, and for orchestrating the best in-draft trade by moving up to select Broderick Jones. Miller said the Steelers expertly jumped the New York Jets in a deal with the New England Patriots to select the last starter-graded left tackle on the board.
CBS Sports analyst Josh Edwards believes that the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft class, which includes Broderick Jones, Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, and Cory Trice Jr., could be an all-time draft haul. The team was able to find value throughout the draft without sacrificing draft capital, and if these players pan out, the Steelers could have at least two Pro Bowl players come from the draft. The potential for the Steelers' 2023 draft class is high, but only time will tell how they perform in games.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a unique 2023 NFL Draft, not selecting a quarterback, running back, or receiver for the first time since 1985. Instead, they focused on addressing their biggest needs, including offensive tackle, cornerback, defensive line, and tight end. The Steelers' haul has largely received rave reviews, with Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr. among the top prospects. The addition of Allen Robinson and emergence of Jaylen Warren allowed the team to prioritize other positions. The rookies are expected to fill specific roles and make the Steelers' roster better.
The Pittsburgh Steelers updated their depth charts after Day 1 and 2 of the NFL Draft. The current projected depth chart for offensive tackle includes Chukwuma Okorafor, Dan Moore Jr., Broderick Jones, and La’Raven Clark. The projected depth chart for cornerback includes Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon, Joey Porter Jr., Arthur Maulet, James Pierre, Duke Dawson, Madre Harper, and Chris Wilcox. The projected depth chart for defensive line includes Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, Demarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Breiden Fehoko, Armon Watts, Jonathan Marshall, and Renell Wren. The projected depth chart for tight end includes Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and Rodney Williams.