2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
By Kinnu Singh
2023 NFL Draft Grades: Rating every first-round pick by value
14. With the 14th overall pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…
55. Positional Ranking: 2. Georgia. Broderick Jones. A. No. 14 in Top 50. OT. player
The Steelers needed to build a “Pickett Fence”, and with Broderick Jones, they took the best offensive tackle available.
Knowing that the Jets needed an offensive tackle as well, the Steelers swapped their first-round spot with the Patriots to take Jones, a decision that was worth the investment.
Jones used his size at Georgia to overpower opponents, but at the NFL level, he’ll need to refine his technique, such as nailing his timing in pass protection.
There was no other truly viable option for the Steelers — they needed an offensive tackle — and by just trading up two spots, they were able to land a starting tackle and immediately begin forming that Pickett fence.
15. With the 15th overall pick, the New York Jets select…
No. 47 in Top 50. Positional Ranking: 8. player. EDGE. Iowa State. Will McDonald IV. C+. 30
With Broderick Jones gone, the Jets decided to go with Will McDonald IV. Ranking at No. 47 among the Top 50 and No. 8 at his position, taking McDonald here appears to be a reach.
McDonald has proven to be explosive at Iowa State, but one of the primary concerns is how he’ll match up facing an offensive line in the NFL featuring more substantial blockers.
Considering that players like Nolan Smith, Myles Murphy and other more established edge rushers from larger schools were still available, time will tell whether or not the Jets made the right move in choosing McDonald over other available rushers.
However, McDonald will be an ideal fit for their scheme, as he can line up wide and chase around divisional opponents like Josh Allen.