Meet the Steelers New "Bro"

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jayson Erwin. Follow him on Twitter @JaysonErwin2002

Yinzers, rejoice! The Pittsburgh Steelers got their guy in an unpredictable trade with New England for the 14th overall pick in exchange for the 17th and 120th overall picks. The Steelers probably remembered the last time they drafted 17th overall; they got Jarvis Jones. Fair enough. But who is the new guy? Let's look at the life and career of the newest Pittsburgh Steeler, Broderick Jones! 

Jones was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in May of 2001. He attended Lithonia High School and received his first athletic scholarship as a freshman. Voted as a 5-star recruit and a part of the Under Armour All-American Game, Jones committed to play college football in Georgia as a part of the Georgia Bulldogs. He wouldn't play much in his first year but remained solid when needed. However, Jones would get a massive opportunity in his second year. 

When the starter would go down at left tackle due to injury, Jones had a chance to show off his skills. In 438 snaps, Jones would only allow two sacks and one QB hit --  and would go on to win the CFP National Championship, too! The Bulldogs named him the starter for next year, and this was the year he proved he was ready for the big leagues. Jones would play every game for the Bulldogs and allow ZERO sacks! And for the second straight year, he won the CFP National Championship! Broderick Jones junior year would be his last year, and he declared for the NFL Draft.

Before the draft, Jones would be ranked 20th overall for prospects via PFF—3rd for offensive tackles. Analyst's saw Jones's best fit with teams like the Bears, Raiders, Titans, and Jets. Despite those teams being on the clock earlier, they went with other prospects. The Patriots would be on the clock 14th overall, but the Steelers would dial up the 617 and decide on a trade for the 14th overall pick.

Fun fact: the last time the Steelers selected someone 14th overall was in 1938. Many fans, like myself, thought the Steelers would go with secondary help with Christian Gonzalez still on the board. But the Steelers, like Kenny Pickett, would pass. Ironically, Gonzalez would be picked up by New England with the 17th overall pick. The Steelers decided to go with offensive line help and called up Broderick Jones.

At first, many Steelers fans, again like myself, felt this was a questionable move, with the Steelers needing help in the secondary room. But, with the Steelers holding the first pick in the second round and names like Joey Porter Jr and Brian Branch shockingly falling in the second round, fans are becoming quite forgiving. Plus, the move was more intelligent than it seemed. Kenny Pickett is the QB the Steelers are going all in for, and they need to protect him as much as they can, especially since Pickett suffered two concussions last year. While the center and guard positions have been filled nicely, the tackle positions have yet to be worked out. With Jones 6 '4, 311lb frame and being called a "bully" on the front lines, Pickett could be in for a smoother ride for 2023. Another brilliant move by the "Khan Artist"!

With the first round out of the way, who will the Steelers take in the first pick of the 2nd round? I will keep my choice anonymous for who I want in the 2nd round, but his name rhymes with Boey Borter, Br.