Jones Assumes He’ll Play Saturday in Jacksonville

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 7, 2025, 11:14 AM

LATROBE, Pa. – As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to sharpen their edge through training camp, one of the most pivotal pieces in their long-term plans continues to take shape in Year Three — Broderick Jones.

The former Georgia Bulldog has already built an impressive résumé coming into the NFL. A key cog on one of the most dominant offensive lines in college football, Jones helped pave the way for back-to-back national championships (2021-22) with the Bulldogs. His raw athleticism, footwork, and violent hands made him a first-round pick in 2023, and the Steelers’ vision for him at left tackle is starting to crystallize.
 
Jones started 11 games as a rookie including a playoff start with 10 of those coming consecutively. Though his starts came at right tackle last season, the expectation is that the left side belongs to him, whether it’s this year or very soon. The verdict remains undecided on what the future holds for this 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds left tackle in Pittsburgh.
 

The young nucleus of players on the Steelers roster, in my opinion, no other player must develop into an elite talent more than Jones. A first-round selection who protects the most important position in football – The Quarterback.

“The goal is always the goal,” Jones said after the Steelers wrapped their 13th practice of camp. “No matter how you feel or how we may look, the end goal is always to try and get to that Super Bowl and come away with it.”

It wasn’t a soundbite. It sounded more like a statement he’s been repeating to himself for months.

Jones, who helped lead Georgia to back-to-back national championships, is no stranger to pressure. During his time at Georgia, he faced NFL-caliber talent every week. But in the pros, consistency is the currency and year two is often the year linemen either rise or regress.

That’s what makes this camp different. Jones knows it.

He’s working alongside a reshuffled offensive line and a completely retooled Steelers offense, now operating behind future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. There are moments when things look in sync and moments where they clearly don’t.

“Yeah, you know, growing pains here and there,” Jones said. “But that’s with any offense new quarterback, new pieces all around. I feel like we’re starting to form and we’re starting to gel as one.”

The gelling process continues this Saturday in Jacksonville when the Steelers open their preseason slate. Jones expects to be on the field.

“I’m pretty sure I will see some action,” he said. “No telling how much, but I’m pretty sure I will.”

There’s no trace of overconfidence in his voice. But there’s a quiet edge the kind of presence that linemen earn, not by talking, but by absorbing bull-rushes, anchoring against speed, and picking their quarterback up off the turf as little as possible.

The Steelers have seen legendary tackles hold it down on the left side. Jones doesn’t say much about legacy. He just goes to work. But when he talks about the goal, it’s clear he’s aiming beyond just a starting role.

Saturday is just the next step. The real climb is ahead.

 

 

 

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com

 

 

 

Skip to toolbar