The Dallas Cowboys have addressed their tackle depth by trading for a former first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Broderick Jones. In exchange for Jones and a Steelers 2027 fourth-round pick , the Cowboys sent the Steelers a 2027 third- and sixth-round pick. Many expected the team to look outside for help at tackle, but this move is a little surprising. What did the Cowboys get from this deal? We’ll take a look at his journey so far and discuss how he fits with his new team.
Jones was the fourth offensive lineman selected in the 2023 draft because of his great athleticism. He showed impressive speed for a guy his size. He possessed agility and power from heavy hands and a strong grip. He didn’t allow a single sack in 2022, and he helped the Georgia Bulldogs win back-to-back National Championships. The sky was the limit for this athletically gifted lineman.
Unfortunately, his NFL adventure has not been so pleasant. The Steelers moved him to right tackle midway through his rookie season, where he did okay in run support, but struggled mightily in pass protection. It was a mixed bag, but there was definitely something to work with.
Things went south during his second year. Right tackle wasn’t his thing. He wasn’t technically sound, and speed rushers abused him regularly. He gave up 11 sacks and frequently committed penalties.
Last season, he moved back to his more natural position at left tackle, hoping to unleash his strengths, but things didn’t improve. He continued to struggle with pass protection, and his season was cut short after 11 games when he suffered a neck injury and underwent spinal fusion surgery.
The Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option, meaning he has one year left on his rookie deal. He entered camp fighting for the swing tackle spot in Pittsburgh, but his performance has once again been underwhelming, leading to this trade.
Here is what the tape has shown us thus far.
He doesn’t secure blocks well. Defenders get into his chest and carom off him with ease. Despite his length, he doesn’t use his hands very well and can be tossed aside. He plays stiff, failing to bend his knees and gain leverage. He can be a lazy blocker. He’ll strike, but he doesn’t always land, and he’s quick to give up on the play after he thinks the job is done. He also wears his emotion on his sleeve, showing his frustration too often.
There are some good things. He is a former first-rounder after all. Before the snap, he’s always looking around. He has a plan. He pops out of his stance quickly and has good length. He can move from one defender to the next seamlessly. His agility is still alive. He needs to learn how to put his strengths together, and so far, he’s just too scattered.
The Cowboys need depth at tackle and are hoping a change of scenery can spark a turnaround for this young lineman. Jones possesses the tools to match Klayton Adams’ multiple, gap-heavy run schemes. He has the athleticism to kick out or pull across the line of scrimmage, allowing him to be an aggressive hunter in the second level. While he hasn’t shown it at the pro level, Jones has the strength to latch on and torque to displace defenders.
He also has that mean temperament that fits well with the Cowboys’ aggressive nature. That’s one more angry blocker in the trenches for this group. But unless he can harness that anger into productive reps, that won’t mean a whole lot.
This is an interesting move for the Cowboys. One might have thought they’d go after something a little more reliable instead of an unfinished project with high upside. It’s also a bit pricey considering the draft cost, but if they can somehow crack the code and unleash his raw talent, he’ll become another screaming deal courtesy of the Steelers.
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