Broderick Jones discusses his expectations for role as a rookie with Steelers

Broderick Jones Pittsburgh Steelers — Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping for a strong second season for quarterback Kenny Pickett, who showed signs of being a potential star during the 2022 campaign. If the Steelers want Pickett to have a big year they’ll need to keep him upright, and first-round pick Broderick Jones can certainly help with that.

Jones was the No. 14 overall pick in the draft this spring, taken by Pittsburgh to help protect Pickett. Recently, Jones opened up on his expectations for this coming season.

“Really my expectation is just to get in, learn as much as possible and be the best person I can be,” Broderick Jones said of his Year 1 goal.

A former Georgia star, Jones’ emergence helped the Bulldogs win back-to-back national titles. He was instrumental in filling in for an injured Jamaree Salyer down the stretch in the 2021 season, starting four games in his stead. Jones more than held his own and earned SEC All-Freshman honors as a result.

In 2022, he was a bona fide full-time starter, starting all 15 of the team’s games at left tackle and earning AP first-team All-SEC honors in the process. That set him up for the big jump to the NFL.

So can Broderick Jones end up starting right away for the Steelers or will he take a little bit more seasoning still?

“I think that just comes down to performing at a high level and just being the best version of you. That’s what it is to me,” Broderick Jones said. “I really believe in that. So like I said, just coming in, learning as much as possible, being the best version of me and hopefully at the end of the day touch the field, may not touch the field, but just giving it 110%.”

At 6 foot 4, 310 pounds with athleticism to spare, Jones can be an every-down star in the NFL once he gets acclimated. He’s hoping to speed that process along with his work ethic.

He explained how he plans to do that.

“Just 110% every time I touch the field,” Broderick Jones said. “The field, film, recovery, all of that plays a factor. So that’s what it is to me.”