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Broderick Jones
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 lifeJones 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 careerAs 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 seasonThe Pittsburgh Steelers selected Jones in the first round with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.[8] On October 8, 2023, Jones made his first career start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.[9] 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.[10] 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.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[16] Personal lifeJones wears the number 77 in honor of former Georgia teammate Devin Willock, who died in a car crash in January 2023.[17] References
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