Pittsburgh Steelers get brutally honest about struggling former first-round pick
The 2024 season has been a turbulent journey for Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Broderick Jones. Initially, Jones was drafted with high hopes and was expected to secure the left tackle spot, providing stability to an offensive line in need of reinforcements. However, plans quickly changed when rookie Troy Fautanu, who was slotted for right tackle, suffered a significant knee injury. This unexpected setback forced Jones into the right tackle role, a position that required him to adjust quickly while still acclimating to the demands of the NFL. The steep learning curve has been evident, as Jones has faced more struggles than successes, making his rookie year a tough one so far.
Jones’s adjustment to right tackle has been far from smooth. Though he displays athleticism and promise, his performances in pass protection have been inconsistent, often putting quarterback Kenny Pickett under pressure and leaving the Steelers’ offense vulnerable. In particular, Jones has had a tough time controlling pass-rushing opponents, resulting in pressures and sacks that disrupt the flow of the game. While his run-blocking has shown potential, allowing him to open lanes for the Steelers’ running backs on occasion, his overall impact has been limited by lapses in concentration. These moments of inconsistency suggest that Jones is still struggling to master the mental and technical intricacies required for every snap at the professional level.
Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer addressed the media recently, offering insight into Jones’s current situation and his development path. Meyer, known for his straightforward approach, didn’t hold back in his evaluation, providing both encouragement and a clear-eyed view of the challenges Jones faces. “Broderick’s been great to work with, honestly. His attitude is exactly what you want in a young player. He listens, he’s eager, and he’s hungry to learn,” Meyer shared. “But the key thing with Broderick is he has to maintain focus on every single play. There are moments when he’ll do something that really stands out, and you see the potential. But he’s still young, only 23, and he hasn’t played a full season in the NFL yet. There’s a learning curve he has to get through, and we’re working hard to help him fast-track that development.”
Meyer’s role in molding young offensive linemen has been a cornerstone of his coaching career, and the Steelers are a team built on fostering young talent. Under Meyer’s guidance, several players on the Steelers’ line, such as Dan Moore Jr., have shown significant improvement, with Moore delivering one of his best seasons to date. Rookies like Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick have also stepped up and performed well in their initial outings, raising expectations that Jones would follow a similar path. But Jones’s journey has proven to be more complex, requiring Meyer to take a tailored approach to his development.
For Jones, Meyer explained, the main challenge lies in maintaining focus and slowing down the mental aspect of the game, allowing him to process situations more efficiently. “With Broderick, it’s all about honing his focus on each rep,” Meyer elaborated. “I’m talking about the ability to zero in on exactly what he has to do every single time. Offensive linemen have a lot to think about before the snap—alignment, stance, get-off, foot placement, hand positioning, where to place the hat. It’s a process, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to develop that rhythm and instinct. But we’re working with him to help him internalize it all faster. When those aspects become second nature, he’ll be a much more reliable player.”
Jones’s struggles underscore the demanding nature of the NFL for offensive linemen, a position where split-second decisions and precise technique can be the difference between a big play and a drive-ending sack. Unlike skill positions where raw athleticism often translates quickly, offensive line play requires players to be technicians, and rookies often face a steep learning curve. Jones’s situation is a reminder of that reality, and Meyer has made it clear that patience and persistence will be key in unlocking Jones’s potential.
Despite his rocky start, Jones’s passion for the game and strong work ethic are traits the Steelers find promising. His willingness to put in the effort and his openness to coaching set a solid foundation, even if his progress has been slower than anticipated. “He’s got the right mindset,” Meyer said, highlighting Jones’s enthusiasm and competitive spirit. “Broderick is a confident kid, he plays with heart, and he genuinely loves football. Those are things you can’t teach. Now it’s just about bringing everything together so he can translate that passion into consistent performance on the field.”
The Steelers are eager to see growth from Jones, as a solid performance from him could help solidify an offensive line that’s crucial for their playoff ambitions. With a playoff berth within reach, the Steelers are balancing the urgency to improve with a willingness to allow Jones time to develop. However, if Jones cannot quickly make strides in his performance, the team might need to consider their alternatives, perhaps by giving opportunities to other players on the roster who might be better suited to handle the right tackle role at this time.
As the season progresses, Jones’s development will remain a focal point, with his growth directly impacting the Steelers’ offensive stability. Meyer and the Steelers organization are committed to helping Jones reach his potential, yet the timeline for that success remains uncertain. If the Steelers want to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need more consistency from Jones, or they may have to explore other lineup options. For now, Jones has the support of his coaches and teammates, and he’s being given the chance to work through his growing pains. His future in Pittsburgh could very well depend on how he responds to the challenges of the next few games, as he works to establish himself not just as a temporary right tackle but as a dependable cornerstone of the Steelers’ offensive line for years to come.