Steelers' first practice proves key rookie has a lot of catching up to do
Today marked the start of training camp practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And while it can be like a kid in a candy shop if you try and catch everything at once, luckily we have social media and multiple cameras in 2023. But what they showed today in Latrobe, is that perhaps the most important […]
Today marked the start of training camp practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
And while it can be like a kid in a candy shop if you try and catch everything at once, luckily we have social media and multiple cameras in 2023.
But what they showed today in Latrobe, is that perhaps the most important rookie on the roster has a ways to go:
Broderick Jones Takes Second Team Reps
Jones may have been the prized possession of Pittsburgh's draft, but this year's 14th overall pick isn't going to start at left tackle for the Steelers…
At least not yet:
Jones will have to beat out the man holding the pad in the above video, Dan Moore Jr. Two years his senior in both age and NFL experience, Moore may not be the future of the position, but he's the present, meaning Jones has a ways to go before he makes good on his draft status.
But that shouldn't worry Pittsburgh fans, because Steelers GM Omar Khan certainly isn't losing any sleep over where Jones stands, saying:
“He’s got to earn it, we drafted him in the first round for a reason," said Khan when asked today about the prospects of Jones starting week one.
The real test for Jones begins when the Steelers throw on shells (shoulder pads & helmets). That's because any reps before players are padded will always give an advantage to defenders. Offensive tackles need to be able to grab onto other defenders' pads, as blocking without them is nearly impossible.
That is when we learn just how far along Jones is in his pass protection, hopefully managing to fend off the second-team pass rush before getting some reps against T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
And if Jones can hold his own against those two, he can do it against anybody, and only then we will see Jones in the starting lineup.
Steelers former Pro Bowler wants to return to Pittsburgh
See which former star wants a reunion with the Steelers
Featured image via: Steelers YouTube Channel
