Broderick Jones Has Quietly Turned A Corner In His Overall Game

After a shaky start to the 2025 NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones has quietly emerged as one of the team’s most improved players. Once criticized for his inconsistent technique and costly penalties, Jones is now earning praise for his consistency, leadership, and dominant presence on the offensive line.

Jones entered the NFL in 2023 as a first-round pick out of Georgia, brimming with promise. However, his early career was marred by misalignment—literally. The Steelers deployed him primarily at right tackle, a position unfamiliar to Jones, who had thrived at left tackle in college. The results were underwhelming: frequent penalties, mechanical lapses, and subpar overall play.

After allowing longtime left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to depart in free agency to the Tennessee Titans, the Steelers finally moved Jones back to his natural position on the left side.

In Week 1 against the New York Jets, Jones had, by his standards, a poor outing—allowing three sacks and four pressures while being flagged for multiple penalties. His performance drew criticism from head coach Mike Tomlin and fueled speculation about his long-term viability.

Since Week 2, however, Jones’ performance has taken a dramatic turn. He has surrendered just one sack, committed only one penalty, and allowed five total pressures over the stretch. In the Steelers’ Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Jones earned his highest pass-blocking grade of the season—an impressive 80.2, according to Pro Football Focus.

This improvement reflects a significant leap in both technique and confidence. Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex praised Jones for his “steadily enhancing technique and on-field contributions,” noting that he’s become a more stable presence on the line.

Credit may be attributed to the guidance of offensive line coach Pat Meyer and the strategic play-calling of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, whose emphasis on the run game has helped restore Jones’ confidence. Nevertheless, despite early-season criticism, Jones responded with focus and resilience, demonstrating meaningful growth as a professional athlete.

In a pivotal year in which he is hoping the Steelers will exercise his fifth-year option, Jones may very well receive an offer if he continues his current trajectory. Most importantly, his development will be critical for the team to remain competitive in a tough AFC North