Interesting comment from Kevin Dotson on Broderick Jones

[K_C_]

...and not exactly encouraging.

“I think this year, most likely, he won’t play,” Dotson said. “I’m thinking they’re just thinking about the future. That’s all I can think of. If he plays this year, I don’t know. He’s going to be at tackle, most likely left, because I don’t think he’s ever played right.”

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/steelers-g ... 38735.html

Don't know if this is sour grapes on Dotson's part, who might not even make the team or not but going into the draft, this is what I worried about most. Picking a tackle that wasn't plug and play and I said it many times during all the draft analysis. Reaching for a guy that is a couple of years away.

Christ I hope Dotson is bullshitting or wrong.

[SteelerDayTrader]

1. I’ve always liked and supported Dotson. I think the dumbfuck Steelers staff fucked him up.

2. I could totally see the dumbfuck Steelers staff playing some kind of dumbfuck bullshit rookies can’t start game with Jones. They did it with the 1st pick last year at the most crucial position in football and I won’t be the least surprised if those fuckheads do it again

3. However. Lol. I got a feeling this just Dotson talking out his ass. Possibly because he realizes he isn’t real safe on this roster if not this year then coming soon and seems like it might be somewhat motivated by that even though it’s not directly related

[Ice]

The fact that last year's LT starter was getting reps at RT in OTAs puts an interesting light on these comments. Dotson really has gotten buried on the roster, given Daniels and Seumalo being the big FA signings the last two years with him already on the team, not to mention a guy like Herbig.

[Jobu]

The fact that last year's LT starter was getting reps at RT in OTAs puts an interesting light on these comments.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/pi ... ition-real

Moore said his workload has been light on the right side, taking just two or three reps per day at practice.

FWIW…

[TTP]

Wait, didn't Dan Moore start all 16 games as a rookie at LT? A 4th rounder. I mean, am I supposed to believe that Moore was ready to play LT at the NFL level and Brod Jones is not?

It's a near certainty that Jones will start at LT to begin the season. It's still very early in the process.

[jebrick]

B. Jone's draft report is that he is very athletic and tends to get by on that rather than technique. I am guessing he needs to learn technique. He would face Myles Garret and Maxx Crosby in his first 2 starts. I think Garrett would school him badly.

[Ice]

I mean, the rookie LT James Harrison made cry on the sidelines eventually turned out all right. Not for the Texans who drafted him, but, you know, eventually.

I would guess Jones will be given the opportunity to work his way into the lineup as the offseason progresses, too. Moore's reaction to his reps at RT was amusing, by the way.

[Mick]

Jones wasn’t a ‘need’ pick; okorafor is okay and moore may have been below average but he’s still improving. And rookie OTs tend to be bad. So it may actually be more difficult for Jones to earn a spot in the lineup than the average young player.

That said, good OTs tend to find their way onto the field even as rookies. Not always pretty right away. Either way, we aren’t going to learn anything about Jones any sooner than the coaching staff does, which will be when the pads come on in July.

[fractalsteel]

I thought Dotson made similar comments several weeks ago about Jones needing a year to sit.

I doubt he has much insight into what the coaches plans are for Jones.

Jones will get a game day jersey be it as a starter or the swing backup T.

[COR-TEN]

Either way, we aren’t going to learn anything about Jones any sooner than the coaching staff does, which will be when the pads come on in July.

This. I also think Dotson thought he was a lock, and this is his "football business 101" lesson. Besides, Jones might lack technique and experience, but from a raw talent and physical standpoint, he's already better than dotson. And dotson has had ample opportunity to prove himself.

[Jizz Mop]

I don’t give two shits what Dotson has to say

Jones is a talent

The team has 3 months to get him NFL LT ready

Have faith bitches

[lifelongsteel]

I'm seeing more and more of this. (or maybe Moore and Moore). Cosell mentioned this the other day as well. Farabaugh has written about it. Some smoke out there for sure.

[Ice]

Jones was the greenest, but most physically talented of the top tackles. It will happen, and if it takes some time, it'll still be OK.

[tbsteel]

Sounds more like he's trying to support his teammate in Dan Moore.

He probably doesn't see why Dan should just lose his spot to a rookie, or why Dan needed replaced anyways, or why Dotson is now going to the bench after the way the OL finished the year.

[955876]

If he’s too green to start the season as the starter I’m fine giving it some time.

I want to win week one.

SF has a monster D but will have a questionable QB situation week 1.

That is a must win coming out the shoot.

Can’t drop that game at home to a QB that hasn’t played in forever if it ends up being Trey Lance.

[franco32]

I'm not so sure the issue is Jones. Has anyone seen Moore lately? He looks great. He added muscle and weight but got more shredded. He apparently chained his diet and really worked to transform himself to be stronger at the point of attack.

Nice to hear and it's a win win for us

[Ice]

If Weidl has any hand whatsoever in structuring the roster, the trenches are going to be priority one, and it can't hurt to have a succession of good options in terms of both starters and depth. It's been the winning formula in Philly for a couple of decades at this point, and I'm kind of psyched to see if it takes root here.

[Mick]

Was going to post that i assume after this season we would extend Moore over okorafor because he’s so much younger as our future RT, but Moore and Okorafor are actually about the same age (moore 1 year younger). So probably extend whichever plays better in 2023.

[Scunge]

There have been some that have been slower to just crown Jones the starter from day one. I might be in that camp as well.

I view Dan Moore as sort of a John Jackson type. For those that don't remember, he was a former Steeler, late round pick, who was a starting LT for us for a long time, him and Dermontti Dawson were drafted in the same Steeler class in 1988.

Moore may not have the pedigree of being a first round pick, or have the elite talent, but this guy will easily play and start in the NFL for a decade or longer. From all accounts he has a first class worth ethic and he continues to build up his body.

I hear the arguments why Jones will start day one, but what gives me pause is just how inexperienced he is. Only 15 games started in college.

But Scunge, those were all in the SEC!!!!

Yeah, but Dan Moore Jr played in the SEC as well and he started 37 games, 36 at Left Tackle. He gets drafted in round 4 and then proceeds to start 33 games in the NFL.

At this point in their respective careers we have a 22 year old rookie with 15 starts (SEC), and a soon to be 25 year old with 70 starts (SEC & NFL).

The way I look at it, there is no shame in easing Jones into the starting lineup. We have a luxurious situation in having Dan Moore AND Broderick Jones. Now if Jones comes into training camp and the preseason games and shows he is the real deal, ready to start and dominate, then great, but if he needs 4 games or half a season to get up to speed with Dan Moore being the starter, then that is okay too.

In terms of who to keep Moore or Chuks, well, that is a problem that is nice to have. Both are under contract this year and next, 2024, both are free agents in 2025.

In fact, you look at the offensive line right now, Daniels and Cole are free agents in 2025. I would expect that of the four, only two are kept and two are replaced in the draft. Maybe a first or second round center replaces Cole and Moore is kept and we spend a 3rd/4th rounder on a tackle.

[955876]

The way I look at it, there is no shame in easing Jones into the starting lineup. We have a luxurious situation in having Dan Moore AND Broderick Jones. Now if Jones comes into training camp and the preseason games and shows he is the real deal, ready to start and dominate, then great, but if he needs 4 games or half a season to get up to speed with Dan Moore being the starter, then that is okay too.

Ya this.

[franco32]

Listen, if Moore has bulked up and gotten stronger, then that is great. He sure looked ready to go in OTAs.

[fractalsteel]

Interesting comparison of Jones to Jackson.
I think Jackson was better in PP, more consistent and had better feet. Really used his hands well. Moore is more of a power T than Jackson was. If Moore has a Jackson like career than he will be a big plus for the Steelers.

No matter who are the starting T's the position was strengthened through this draft. Shouldn't be a problem for the team for this year and next.
Ditto for the TE position and hopefully the CB position as well.

[Stosh-67]

Looks like Moore is at RT in that photo.

Nothing like solid competition in camp to make a team better.

We are finally, putting an emphasis on the OL after a decade of not drafting an OL in 1st or 2nd round.
I have been beating that drum for years..........as the Steelers went a decade by drafting ONE single OL or DL in the 1st or 2nd round.
Tuit.

Bring in 3 FA starters the last two years and drafting a 1st rounder LT is EMPASIS all right.

Bringing in Daniels and Cole last year in FA.
Both played all 17 games last year.
Cole solidified the center spot, which was a turn stile a few years.

I was expecting more from Daniels, but I believe playing with new parts on both sides and an offense that tells the defense what play is coming for the most part.............it isn't easy being an OL on this team.
I am excited to see year 2 for these two guys.

Now add in Seumalo to form that middle trio and things are pointing up.

As far as the tackles, I agree with most above, if Jones earns the start, so be it. If Moore came to camp with a different body, more confidence and better explosion and drive...........then he starts if he wins the job.

Point is, I think we have improved the OL the last few years and have created a depth of competition.

Chucks, Moore and Jones at the OT spots may be our best threesome in years. Add in Spencer Anderson and Jarrid Williams as a 4th, and the depth is there.

Daniels, Seumalo, Cole, Herbig and Dotson is also as deep as we have been in the middle............in years.

And the OL is on the young side with a good amount of starts under their belts.

Seumalo 29 years old / 60 starts
Cole 27 / 56
Dotson 26/ 30
Daniels 25 / 65
Chucks 25 /52
Moore 24 / 33
Herbig 24 / 28

Add in the 2 rookies, Jones ( 22 ) and Anderson ( 23 ).
Jarrid Williams ( 24 ) K, Green ( 24 )

If its Jones, Seumalo, Cole, Daniels and Chucks.......

Then your 3 back-ups have alot of NFL starts.
Moore-33, Dotson-30 and Herbig-28

Who is that 9th OL they roster? Will they roster 10?

Does McCollum get a roster spot at back-up center?
I think they need to plan on using Seumalo, Daniels or Herbig as back-up center plan.

If I was Dotson and seeing the players they brought in the IOL the last 2 years......Daniels, Seumalo and Cole.
I would have been taking 500 snaps a day since last year.

[Stosh-67]

Interesting comparison of Jones to Jackson.
I think Jackson was better in PP, more consistent and had better feet. Really used his hands well. Moore is more of a power T than Jackson was. If Moore has a Jackson like career than he will be a big plus for the Steelers.

No matter who are the starting T's the position was strengthened through this draft. Shouldn't be a problem for the team for this year and next.
Ditto for the TE position and hopefully the CB position as well.

Good lord Frac.....
why did you go stick that link in your post.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-s ... r-AA18GJZq

[DP39]

Looks like Moore is at RT in that photo.

Nothing like solid competition in camp to make a team better.

We are finally, putting an emphasis on the OL after a decade of not drafting an OL in 1st or 2nd round.
I have been beating that drum for years..........as the Steelers went a decade by drafting ONE single OL or DL in the 1st or 2nd round.
Tuit.

Bring in 3 FA starters the last two years and drafting a 1st rounder LT is EMPASIS all right.

Bringing in Daniels and Cole last year in FA.
Both played all 17 games last year.
Cole solidified the center spot, which was a turn stile a few years.

I was expecting more from Daniels, but I believe playing with new parts on both sides and an offense that tells the defense what play is coming for the most part.............it isn't easy being an OL on this team.
I am excited to see year 2 for these two guys.

Now add in Seumalo to form that middle trio and things are pointing up.

As far as the tackles, I agree with most above, if Jones earns the start, so be it. If Moore came to camp with a different body, more confidence and better explosion and drive...........then he starts if he wins the job.

Point is, I think we have improved the OL the last few years and have created a depth of competition.

Chucks, Moore and Jones at the OT spots may be our best threesome in years. Add in Spencer Anderson and Jarrid Williams as a 4th, and the depth is there.

Daniels, Seumalo, Cole, Herbig and Dotson is also as deep as we have been in the middle............in years.

And the OL is on the young side with a good amount of starts under their belts.

Seumalo 29 years old / 60 starts
Cole 27 / 56
Dotson 26/ 30
Daniels 25 / 65
Chucks 25 /52
Moore 24 / 33
Herbig 24 / 28

Add in the 2 rookies, Jones ( 22 ) and Anderson ( 23 ).
Jarrid Williams ( 24 ) K, Green ( 24 )

If its Jones, Seumalo, Cole, Daniels and Chucks.......

Then your 3 back-ups have alot of NFL starts.
Moore-33, Dotson-30 and Herbig-28

Who is that 9th OL they roster? Will they roster 10?

Does McCollum get a roster spot at back-up center?
I think they need to plan on using Seumalo, Daniels or Herbig as back-up center plan.

If I was Dotson and seeing the players they brought in the IOL the last 2 years......Daniels, Seumalo and Cole.
I would have been taking 500 snaps a day since last year.

Good stuff, Stosh.

As of now, my best guess is a starting five of: Jones, Seumalo, Cole, Daniels and Chuks. Moore, if he's made drastic offseason improvements, could make a real push for starting LT or RT, but for now my gut goes with Jones and Chuks based on draft spot (Jones:1.14) and money (Chuks:$13M).

I'm 98% sure they'll keep 9 OL. Even with the new Bully-Ball desire, I think the addition of D-Wash makes any 10th OL unnecessary.

I'm sure Chuks, Moore and Jones are 3 of your 4 OTs. Clark, Anderson, Cook and Williams will fight it out for the 4th OT if they keep one. Anderson probably has the edge there based on being able to play all 5 OL positions.

As for Guard: Seumalo, Daniels, Herbig, Dotson and Anderson are your main guys. All of those guys have some experience at C except for Dotson (main reason: he's too dumb). Dotson is the one guy I try real hard to trade, and if not, then he's most likely a cut for two reason: he's shown that he's only actually good at one position, RG, and he saves you $2.7M in cap with very little dead $ when shown the door.

Center is easier, imo. Cole, McCollum, and Green are your natural Cs -- Green just isn't very good. Having four Gs that can play C good enough to back-up is a major plus. Again, I think Anderson's versatility really helps his cause here too.

I think 8 of the 9 OL on the 53 are as follows:

OTs: Jones, Chuks, Moore (swing)
Gs: Seumalo, Daniels, Herbig
Cs: Cole, Anderson

The 9th OL is still up in the air for me. It depends where they want to strengthen their depth the most. If it's C, then Green or McCollum may have a shot. If it's OT, then Clark or Cook may have a shot. If it's G, then Dotson will have a real shot.

They'll have plenty of great choices for adding to the practice squad from what's left over and hopefully they stick.

[COR-TEN]

WTF is that? He's got some floppy skin. It's like how Howlin' Wolf was described by I don't remember who : "His skin was so soft it'd be flappin' in the wind."

[Stosh-67]

WTF is that? He's got some floppy skin. It's like how Howlin' Wolf was described by I don't remember who : "His skin was so soft it'd be flappin' in the wind."

Yeah that was weird,
figured someone would zoom in...lol.

Maybe he absorbed his twin in the womb, and thats what is left over?

[Deebo]

Looks like Moore is at RT in that photo.

Nothing like solid competition in camp to make a team better.

We are finally, putting an emphasis on the OL after a decade of not drafting an OL in 1st or 2nd round.
I have been beating that drum for years..........as the Steelers went a decade by drafting ONE single OL or DL in the 1st or 2nd round.
Tuit.

Bring in 3 FA starters the last two years and drafting a 1st rounder LT is EMPASIS all right.

Bringing in Daniels and Cole last year in FA.
Both played all 17 games last year.
Cole solidified the center spot, which was a turn stile a few years.

I was expecting more from Daniels, but I believe playing with new parts on both sides and an offense that tells the defense what play is coming for the most part.............it isn't easy being an OL on this team.
I am excited to see year 2 for these two guys.

Now add in Seumalo to form that middle trio and things are pointing up.

As far as the tackles, I agree with most above, if Jones earns the start, so be it. If Moore came to camp with a different body, more confidence and better explosion and drive...........then he starts if he wins the job.

Point is, I think we have improved the OL the last few years and have created a depth of competition.

Chucks, Moore and Jones at the OT spots may be our best threesome in years. Add in Spencer Anderson and Jarrid Williams as a 4th, and the depth is there.

Daniels, Seumalo, Cole, Herbig and Dotson is also as deep as we have been in the middle............in years.

And the OL is on the young side with a good amount of starts under their belts.

Seumalo 29 years old / 60 starts
Cole 27 / 56
Dotson 26/ 30
Daniels 25 / 65
Chucks 25 /52
Moore 24 / 33
Herbig 24 / 28

Add in the 2 rookies, Jones ( 22 ) and Anderson ( 23 ).
Jarrid Williams ( 24 ) K, Green ( 24 )

If its Jones, Seumalo, Cole, Daniels and Chucks.......

Then your 3 back-ups have alot of NFL starts.
Moore-33, Dotson-30 and Herbig-28

Who is that 9th OL they roster? Will they roster 10?

Does McCollum get a roster spot at back-up center?
I think they need to plan on using Seumalo, Daniels or Herbig as back-up center plan.

If I was Dotson and seeing the players they brought in the IOL the last 2 years......Daniels, Seumalo and Cole.
I would have been taking 500 snaps a day since last year.

Good post.

I've held the same stance through the entire offseason: forget the skill positions. Solidifying the OLine will move this team from the bottom 1/3 to middle of the pack. Yes, it will make THAT MUCH of a difference.

Next offseason we'll perhaps get some better-skilled guys (along with Canada being canned), and we can realistically have a top 10 offense. Not joking

[yygy]

Weidl’s first talk with art 2 he asked, do the Steelers have a permit from the township for this roster? Because I see a whole lot of flaming garbage.”

I say Jones locks it down by preseason game 2 and never looks back.

When it comes to the first few games with a rookie LT it’s called G A M E P L A N Matt

I’ve never held a position in the nfl for one second and I can think of double digit options for neutralizing a pass rush on one side

[bradshaw2ben]

I feel like the goal for this season should be:

Aside from QB, have all the pieces in place 100% aside from skill upgrades on O and problem-solving for D holes or replacements for priced-out defensive players.

IF Kenny looks special and takes a jump forward, then a couple of moves next offseason puts them in position to be serious contenders. If Kenny isn't it, figure it out this year and get a value-buy QB near the top of next year's draft, add it to a very talented roster, and be in contention ASAP.

That means running an offense that is a Super Bowl-winning offense and not something safe/risk averse, that means pushing the limits on the QB and other players to see what they have on the open road. If they don't break mentally or physically, you found the guys you need.