Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Compares Rookie Broderick Jones' Situation To Cam Heyward's Back In 2011

Tuesday marked Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s first official press conference of the 2023 season. With days away from the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, anticipation is only growing. Officially, Dan Moore Jr. won the left tackle job over rookie Broderick Jones. The team's final depth chart ahead of Week 1 reflected just that. 

When the Steelers traded up to pick Jones 14th overall, many people wrote off Moore. Moore has started 33 games in his first two NFL seasons, so the experience is there. With that, it seems like competition made him better. Tomlin seemed pleased with his development this offseason, as well as how the rookie has looked. He discussed Moore's summer, which led to the team's decision of making him the starter.

“I thought he [Moore] played really well. I thought he showed the growth and maturation that comes with the 1,000 or so snaps that he's played over the last two years. [We are] comfortable there. Just feeling really good about our left tackle position. I feel really good about Dan's growth and development."

Despite Moore's experience at the position, the team clearly felt the need to provide competition there this offseason. No disrespect to the 2021 fourth-rounder, but questions began to arise whether or not he was the long-term answer at left tackle. With a loaded draft class at the position, it was the perfect time for the front office to get their guy. Throughout the pre-draft process, they fell in love with Jones, hence why they gave up draft compensation to move up and get him.

Just a few weeks ago, the rookie made it clear that he was completely fine with sitting behind Moore to begin the 2023 season. This should allow him to learn and grow without forcing him into action right away. The team also starts the season off by facing three elite pass rushers in the first three weeks, which could have led to a rough start for Jones. 

Tomlin compared the rookie to veteran Cam Heyward’s situation when he first came into the league back in 2011.

"We were very thoughtful about making sure that he [Jones] got a lot of reps during the course of development, particularly in preseason stadiums. I feel really good [about] how bright his future is. Often times, depth charts produce stories. There's nothing wrong with Broderick, there was nothing wrong with Cam Heyward when he watched. If you have a good team, often times, it means young, capable guys get an opportunity to watch as they grow and develop," Tomlin said in his press conference.

Heyward actually didn't start a single game for the Steelers until his third season in the NFL in 2013. He was able to make a bit of a name for himself that season, but he didn't make his first Pro Bowl until his seventh NFL campaign. Heyward has racked up another five appearances since, but he was a bit of a late-bloomer. In other words, while Jones isn't starting right away, that could actually bode well for him in the long run.

Many, including former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, expect Jones to eventually take over that spot at some point in 2023. When a team takes a player with that high of a draft pick, it seems inevitable. Still, credit to Moore for being able to earn the starting job for Week 1. It seems like the coaching staff is content with either one at left tackle, which should help the offense flourish to improvements in 2023.

What Should Steelers Do If Moore Performs Well?

Are you surprised that Moore was able to win the job over Jones? At what point (if at all) do you think Jones will overtake Moore in 2023? Do you think the rookie is the long-term answer at left tackle?