Steelers' first-round disappointment entering make-or-break season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense in 2024 saw sizable improvements from the previous three seasons, even if they ultimately fell flat down the stretch of the season. Much of that success can be attributed to an offensive line that performed relatively well, especially considering the injuries they suffered.

2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu missed essentially the entire season, and James Daniels was off to the best start of his career before tearing his Achilles in Week 4. That forced rookie fourth-round pick Mason McCormick into a starting role at guard, and it also gave 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones the opportunity to start at right tackle.

Now with Fautanu returning from injury and left tackle Dan Moore Jr. now in Tennessee, Jones will finally have the chance to start at his college position. With two years of poor play to start his career, Pro Football Focus contributor Dalton Wasserman labeled Jones as the Steelers' make-or-break player in 2025.

Pittsburgh Steelers need Broderick Jones to make good on his first-round pedigree

With the Steelers going with an aging veteran at quarterback for the second season in a row, the offensive line's performance will be the biggest factor in determining the offense's success.

Aaron Rodgers isn't quite a statue in terms of movement skills at this point, but his film last season showed a player who wanted to avoid even the chance of contact whenever possible. The days of the former MVP escaping the pocket or standing in there and taking a hit are likely over.

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If that is going to be the case, Broderick Jones in particular needs to make a huge leap in 2025. The interior of the offensive line should be strong, with veteran guard Isaac Seumalo pairing with standout center Zach Frazier. McCormick played valiantly in 2024 and should be better in 2025, and Fautanu gets a pass until we see him play enough to know what he can be.

Jones is the odd man out, young like Frazier and McCormick, but with enough tape to judge him, unlike Fautanu. He must show that he can be at least a solid starter now that he gets to play his natural position of left tackle.

Whether you think it has affected him or not, forcing him to play right tackle the first two years of his career creates some amount of "fog of war" when judging his play. Had they allowed him to play left tackle right away, who knows what he might look like today?

Fair or not, the former Georgia Bulldog's career as a starter likely hangs in the balance in 2025.