Heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones was considered the most athletic tackle prospect in the class.
The testing numbers certainly backed it up, as did the tape.
That athleticism played a role in the Pittsburgh Steelers trading up from No. 17 overall to No. 14 with the New England Patriots to land the Georgia left tackle. Doing so has solidified the position overall moving forward for the Steelers.
For former NFL GM Doug Whaley, the decision to select Jones was a great one, as Jones has the potential to be the best Steelers left tackle of all-time, he said on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday morning.
“I think he has the ability to be [best of all-time for the Steelers], certainly,” Whaley said on 93.7 The Fan Wednesday morning, according to audio via audacy.com. “I think he’s got the potential, no doubt. You got an athletic guy, a guy that’s coming from a winning program, a guy that has…some confidence. …You want a guy, especially at that level and at that pick, to have confidence. He has that confidence…to reach the level that everyone thinks he can.
“I’m really excited about him.”
That’s some high praise from Whaley and certainly puts some external pressure on Jones before he’s even played a single snap for the Steelers.
Of course, Jones was the first offensive tackle drafted in the first round by the Steelers since the franchise selected Jamain Stephens in 1996 at No. 29 overall out of North Carolina A&T. That pick turned out to be a massive bust as he was cut after just two seasons and 11 starts in the Black and Gold.
Prior to Stephens, the Steelers selected tackle Leon Searcy in the first round in 1992 at No. 11 overall out of Miami (FL). Jones is just the fifth tackle selected in the first round in Steelers history, joining Stephens, Searcy, Mike Taylor (1968, No. 10 overall) and Frank Varrichione (1955, sixth overall).
Outside of the first-round selections, Whaley stating that he believes Jones could be the best left tackle in Steelers franchise history is quite the take. Of course, he would have to surpass the likes of Jon Kolb, John Jackson, Marvel Smith, Ray Pinney, Max Starks and Alejandro Villanueva, to name a few.
Those are some big names in franchise history that played key roles in Super Bowls and consistent contention throughout the Steelers’ storied history.
Jones certainly has a high ceiling. He’s compared himself favorably to future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams due to his size and athleticism, and he’s earned that type of comparison from the likes of Brian Baldinger throughout the draft process. The ability is without a doubt there.
Now, it’s about putting it all together. If Jones reaches the ceiling many believe he has, he’ll no doubt be right there in the conversation for best left tackle in Steelers history.
