By Adam Aniba
This year's draft class features some true maulers along the offensive line. University of Georgia OT Broderick Jones played right tackle and left tackle during his time with the Bulldogs and is a prospect to watch, during the draft evaluation process. His athletic ability and overall length, should lead multiple OT needy teams being in play for his services during the '23 NFL Draft.
Broderick Jones
6'4" 310 lbs | OT | UGA
Draft Proj 1st Rd
Background
Jones grew up in Lithonia, GA and attended Lithonia HS. The offensive tackle was viewed as one of the best O-lineman prospects, to come out of state of Georgia over the last decade.
He also played on the Lithonia varsity basketball team, helping his team to the Class 5A Final Four with a 21-10 record (10-3 in Region 5). As Junior he earned the Metro Atlanta Montlick & Associates Athlete of the Week (Nov. '19).
In '18 Jones was named to the USA Today ALL-USA Georgia First Team offense following his junior campaign, as well as a Class 5A 1st- Team selection by the Georgia Association of Coaches and named to the MaxPreps Preseason Junior All-American Second Team offense.
In '19 the Lithonia offensive lineman was invited to the Under Armour Future 50 event and was named to the Class 5A All-State First Team offense by the Georgia Sports Writers Association and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
During his senior season, Lithonia's offense averaged 25.1 points per game in the regular season, as well as 3,106 yards of offense (282.4 yards per game). That season, he registered 11 pancake blocks, but also lined up at defensive tackle recording 17 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.
As a senior, he was invited to the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game. He was given a 5-Star ranking by ESPN, in addition to being ranked as #9 prospect nationally and the #1 OT prospect in the nation.
Jones would receive attention from multiple SEC and Power-5 programs, but decided to stay close home after Georgia made him their top o-line recruit for the '20 season. Although Jones would redshirt in '20, he did see some action mainly as a reserve and even lined up at right tackle for the final quarter vs S.Carolina that season.
The following season, Jones was active for every game and made 4 starts at left tackle. He was named to the Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team leading the way as the blind side protector for the final 4 games. His versatility to play either LT/RT made him a valuable reserve and spot starter for the UGA offense.
The '22 season would be a breakout year for the Bulldogs tackle, in which he started all 13 games, after only 4 career starts the previous season. As the Bulldogs starting left tackle, Jones was named to the Associated Press All-SEC First-Team.
In 2022 Jones has played in 805 snaps, only giving up 8 QB hurries, 1 QB hit, and zero sacks while lining up at left tackle.
PROS
Impressive lateral movement and can be a force when blocking downfield (excels as a pulling blocker)
Displays violence as a run blocker and frequently seeks out contact
Prototypical frame/length and build to play offensive tackle on the next level
Extremely athletic for a man his size with the versatility to play LT/RT and even kick inside in a pinch.
Overall impressive bend, displays the appropriate depth when in pass pro with little wasted movement
CONS
Limited career starts at LT are an area of concern
Can struggle at times when facing speed rushers with the ability to consistently bend the edge
Has a tendency to lunge when out of position, which comes back to balance issues
Although displays quick feet, it can get him in trouble at times and cause him to over pursue
Kick slide and overall pass protection technique require refinement
Outlook
Some draft evaluators/scouts believe Jones should immediately be moved inside on the next level. While there is some merit to a position switch, trying him LT or RT initially, would be wise for a team lacking competent play at tackle.
Jones was one of the most sought after prospects in the nation during the recruiting process and is still nowhere near hitting his ceiling. Although the lack of career starts is a concern, any team drafting him will get a prospect that should be ready to contribute immediately.
*Games Watched- 9/3/22 vs Oregon, 10/1 vs Missouri, 10/19 vs Florida, 11/5 vs Tenn, 11/19 vs Kentucky, 11/26 vs Ga. Tech, 12/3 vs LSU & 12/21 vs OSU (Peach Bowl Win)
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