Former Steelers OL Puts Broderick Jones on Notice
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan revealed at the NFL Combine that the team plans to move 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to left tackle in 2025. Jones left a lot to be desired at right tackle in 2024, allowing 11 sacks (including postseason). So a position change could be the best option for the young tackle out of Georgia.
“I’d say it’s a safe assumption that he’ll be the left tackle,” Khan said.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex expects big things out of Jones in 2025. If he fails to produce at left tackle, Essex wonders if he’ll ever pan out.
“Everybody’s been calling for it, everybody’s been saying it’s coaching malpractice putting him on the right side, but he’s a professional athlete,” Essex said on 93.7 The Fan. “I’ve always been a big advocate of you gotta get in where you fit in, and if right tackle was where they wanted you to be at, then you should have be thriving at that position. Left tackle, it’s gonna be a transition. It’s been three years since he’s played that position, and it’s a whole different ball game. He has to do it or else he may be looking for a new place next year.”
There was some progress made in 2022 and 2023 with Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer, but the unit took a deep decline in 2024. The offensive line missed on assignments throughout the season and there was often way too much miscommunication.
The Steelers finished the 2024 season ranked 11th in rushing offense, averaging 127.4 yards per game, but they were fourth in rushing attempts (533). It was just a lot of volume, but the production wasn’t there, only averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The Steelers ranked 29th this season in EPA. The run game was supposed to be Arthur Smith’s specialty, but Meyer’s inability to foster a competent offensive line could have held back the entire unit.
Jones’ development will be Meyer’s biggest project in 2025. Essex feels good about the rest of the offensive line.
“I think we have a pretty good idea what to expect from that group, and I think it’s positive. I think we’re trending in the right direction with those four guys. Now, Broderick is a big question mark,” Essex said. “It’s never been a physical problem with him. It’s always been above the shoulders with him.”
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger called out Jones on his podcast after the season. One thing is clear, the Steelers need better play out of their first-round pick from 2023. Rookie center Zach Frazier shined and McCormick showed promise. The same can’t be said for Jones.
“You’ve got to figure out what happens at your tackle spots. People are gonna get on Dan Moore and Broderick Jones for the amount of sacks they’ve given up. Broderick needs to step it up,” Roethlisberger said. “I’ve watched the film, and I’ve watched him make mistakes. Quite a few mistakes. He’s still growing, and he’s learning, but he can’t continue to make mistakes.”