Broderick Jones Explained

Broderick Jones
Current Team:Pittsburgh Steelers
Number:77
Position:Offensive tackle
Birth Date:16 May 2001
Birth Place:Lithonia, Georgia, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:5
Weight Lbs:311
High School:Lithonia (Stonecrest, Georgia)
College:Georgia (2020–2022)
Draftyear:2023
Draftround:1
Draftpick:14
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
Statweek:11
Statseason:2024
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:27
Statlabel2:Games started
Statvalue2:20
Pfr:JoneBr09

Broderick Bernard Jones (born May 16, 2001) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Georgia, where he was a two-time CFP national champion before being selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Early life

Jones attended Lithonia High School in Stonecrest, Georgia. He received his first athletic scholarship offer while he was a ninth grade high school student from Alabama.[1] As a senior, he was considered one of the best offensive lineman in the class of 2020 and was a part of the Under Armour All-American Game.[2] A five star recruit, Jones committed to play college football at the University of Georgia.[3]

College career

As a freshman in 2020, Jones was a redshirt player. In 2021, his production increased and he made four starts in relief for Jamaree Salyer, who was injured.[4] He was named to the 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team.[5]

Professional career

2023 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Jones in the first round with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.[6] On October 8, 2023, Jones made his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.[7] In his first start, he was able to record 37 pass block reps against the Ravens defense, allowing no sacks and only allowing one pressure.[8] In Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, Jones relieved Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle. He remained the starter for the rest of the 2023 season.[9] He finished the season starting in 11 games, playing in all 17. Jones made his first postseason appearance in the Steelers' 17–31 loss to the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card round.[10]

2024 season

Prior to the 2024 season, Jones was named the team's starting right tackle. He made his first start in the Steelers' Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. During Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Jones struggled with multiple penalties, committing three in the span of six plays. All three penalties were costly for the Steelers as one negated a 51-yard pass from Justin Fields to George Pickens. After the third penalty, Jones was benched in favor of Troy Fautanu for the remainder of the game.[11] When Fautanu was injured during a practice prior to Week 3's win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones was reinstated as the starter. Fautanu was placed on the injured reserve list the following week, permanently placing Jones in the starting position for the remainder of the season.[12]

Jones would have one of the best games of his career thus far during Week 10's 28-27 Steelers win over the Washington Commanders.[13] Earning a PFF grade of 74.0, he allowed no pressures, sacks, quarterback hurries or hits on snaps in which he was on the line.[14]

Personal life

Jones wears the number 77 in honor of former Georgia teammate Devin Willock, who died in a car crash in January 2023.[15]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Towers . Chip . February 5, 2020 . It's all about loyalty for UGA 5-star signee Broderick Jones . September 19, 2022 . The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . English . 1539-7459.
  2. Web site: Weiszer . Marc . January 10, 2020 . Holding onto OT Jones more crucial after Georgia departures . September 19, 2022 . Savannah Morning News . en-US.
  3. Web site: Legge . Dean . February 5, 2020 . Five-star OT Broderick Jones sticks with Georgia . September 19, 2022 . Online Athens . en-US.
  4. Web site: Riley . Connor . August 17, 2022 . With a push from Kirby Smart, Broderick Jones wants to be the best left tackle and leader for Georgia football . September 20, 2022 . DawgNation . English.
  5. Web site: December 10, 2021 . 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team . September 20, 2022 . SEC Sports.
  6. Web site: Varley . Teresa . April 27, 2023 . Steelers select Broderick Jones in the first round . July 15, 2023 . Steelers.com.
  7. News: DeFabo . Mike . October 4, 2023 . Steelers first-round pick Broderick Jones readies for first NFL start . October 9, 2023 . The Athletic . en.
  8. Offutt . Ethan . Broderick Jones Has Incredibly Impressive First Career NFL Start . Sports Illustrated . 2023-10-11 . 2024-08-08.
  9. Web site: Varley . Teresa . Rookie Recap: Broderick Jones . Steelers.com . 2024-01-24 . 2024-08-08.
  10. Web site: Broderick Jones 2023 Game Log . 2024-08-08 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  11. Web site: 2024-09-17 . Broderick Jones benched after three penalties in six-play span - Mon Valley Independent . 2024-10-25 . www.monvalleyindependent.com . en-US.
  12. Web site: Darnay . Mike . 2024-09-23 . Report: Steelers lineman Troy Fautanu expected to miss the rest of the season with knee injury - CBS Pittsburgh . 2024-10-25 . www.cbsnews.com . en-US.
  13. Web site: Koehler . Allison . Steelers top 10 offensive players in Week 10, per PFF . Steelers Wire . 2024-11-12 . 2024-11-14.
  14. Web site: Kozora . Alex . PFF: Broderick Jones Has One Of Best Games Of Career Against Commanders . Steelers Depot . 2024-11-11 . 2024-11-14.
  15. Web site: Pryor . Brooke . April 28, 2023 . Steelers rookie to honor late Georgia teammate . April 28, 2023 . ESPN.com . en.