Kirby Smart sends love to Broderick Jones after Steelers selection
It didn’t take long for Kirby Smart to get back to Twitter to congratulate another Georgia NFL draft selection, with the head coach offering up his support of the Steelers selecting former Bulldog Broderick Jones on Thursday evening.
“So proud of you @millionairemov3!! Watching you grow and become the man you are has been incredible. The Steelers getting an incredible player and a force in the trenches. GO DAWGS!!,” Smart tweeted after Pittsburgh selected Jones with the No. 14 overall pick in the first round.
Broderick Jones living the dream
In speaking with NFL Network’s Good Morning Football ahead of the draft, Jones was clear that he was looking forward to the opportunity to take on some of the best in the league.
“Man there are so many great players in the league that I’ve watched for so many years,” Jones said. “Like the Von Millers, the Aaron Donalds, everybody, just everybody. Even the young cats coming in. Like some people I went against in college I’m still… because just the matchup perspective of it, just being able to go against so many different players with so many different techniques and so many different styles of play.
“It’s something that’s new but not new at the same time, if you understand what I’m saying. So just being able to go lock in with myself and being able to play my best game and go against anybody they put in front of me is what I’m looking forward to.”
Draft analysts high on the upside of Jones
It wasn’t just Kirby Smart who thought highly of the former Georgia offensive tackle.
Lance Zierlein of the NFL Network was also on board with what the former five-star prospect brought to the field throughout the draft process
“Ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side,” Zierlein shared pre-draft. “Jones’ frame and technique both are in the developmental phase. His entry into block fits can be a little disjointed. He needs to improve his punch accuracy and timing to make the most of his length in pass protection.
“Jones is very talented at working into space and landing a block to help spring the running game. He has the nimble feet to mirror or recover against the rush. Jones isn’t a finished product, but the physical and athletic gifts allow for a projection as a good, long-time starter.”
