On Thursday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally got to see its top two picks from the 2023 NFL draft in the spotlight and both guys shined. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones got the start at right tackle and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. got not only the start but was paired up against Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for much of the game.
Jones was filling in for Chuks Okorafor who got himself benched for some comments made on the field in the previous week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones got word on Tuesday he’d be starting and although his natural position is left tackle, looked great.
He’s not only a powerful run blocker and strong pass blocker, he has athleticism you don’t normally see in a Steelers offensive lineman. Pittsburgh had him pulling and working to the second level and his contributions helped the Steelers to their best rushing game of the season and the win.
Porter’s game got off to a rough start but he made a huge recovery. After a handful of slopping penalties in the first half, Porter put the clamps on Hopkins. Porter covered Hopkins on 26 of his 36 pass routes, playing press man on 20 of those. Hopkins finished the game with only one reception for 17 yards and only five total targets. This is after Hopkins caught three touchdowns the week before.
Pittsburgh is sitting at 5-3 right now and the play of these two talented rookies helped make that happen. We can’t wait to see more of these guys in the second half of the season.
