Steelers Take High Pedigree OT In Football Outsiders Latest Mock Draft

We don’t often cite Football Outsiders for fake draft content. But when they give the Pittsburgh Steelers a relatively unusual name, it’s something worth talking about. In Benjamin Robinson’s latest mock for the site, he has the team that leads Georgia OT Broderick Jones in 17th overall. To explain the choice he writes:

“Given that the Steelers haven’t been good at hiding their intentions when drafting players in the first round lately (Devin Bush in 2019, Najee Harris in 2021, and Kenny Pickett in 2022), 2023 could be with the cornerback and the offensive tackle not far behind The Steelers’ key positional requirements in Grinding the Mocks data. Georgia’s Broderick Jones selection makes a lot of sense here. Jones is a mauling lineman that the Steelers would like given how successful Georgia was in the trenches and winning the college football playoffs from behind a strong line.

Taunting the Steelers with an offensive tackle isn’t uncommon in itself, but Jones is a name that doesn’t often get sent to Pittsburgh at No. 17. Still, it’s a solid suggestion. Robinson is right, the Steelers have traditionally been transparent with their pre-draft scouting. It was obvious they loved Devin Bush in 2019 and it was just a matter of if they would be willing and able to trade for him. They were and they did. Harris to Pittsburgh in 2021 was the vacant spot on the NFL Draft bingo card; Again, it was just a matter of if he would fall on them or if the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets would snatch him away. They didn’t. And it was obvious the team would be quarterback last season, although the exact name was a little harder to predict. In hindsight, it was clear that the team would stay put with Pickett.

In our preliminary scouting report, Michael Rochman praises Jones for his solid body type, powerful punch and football IQ. A lack of starting experience is a problem, only 19 of them, and he has to hold on to his blocks and stay busy more often. Despite this, he was impressed with Jones’ overall tools and attributes.

“With his natural athleticism, excellent anchor strength, and ability to move and obliterate defenders, he should pose a problem for next-level defenders. He has a great mix of size, speed and power to excel in left tackle and could be a long-term part for a franchise looking to protect the offensive line.

And gave him a first-round grade.

Current left tackle Dan Moore Jr. has improved over the first two years, but he’s also taken his lumps. The odds of him ever making a franchise left tackle are slim, and when the Steelers get a chance to pick a stud left tackle at No. 17, it’s going to be hard to say no. It would mess up the current continuity of the group, but good talent always wins in the end.

Elsewhere in his taunt, No. 1 Alabama EDGE Will Anderson goes to the Chicago Bears. QBs Bryce Young and Will Levis both finish in the top five, while Utah TE Dalton Kincaid is a surprise pick, mocking the New England Patriots’ 14th overall finish.

Check out our full report on Jones below.