ST.Steelers’ O-Line Trending Up, But Big Ben Says Broderick Jones Still Has More to Prove

The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen a noticeable uptick in offensive line performance in recent weeks — a welcomed shift for a team that has long relied on physicality in the trenches to set the tone. But not everyone is sold on the current state of the line just yet.

In fact, franchise legend and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes there’s still one player who hasn’t lived up to expectations — former first-round pick Broderick Jones.

And Ben isn’t holding back.

🎙️ Big Ben Speaks Out

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the future Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on the Steelers’ offensive line following their Week 5 win over the Vikings.

“Well, I think the line played better [against the Vikings],” Ben said. “There’s still — 77, he still has gotta get better.”

The “77” in question is Broderick Jones, the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft — a selection the Steelers made with hopes of solidifying their left tackle position for the next decade.

So far, it hasn’t gone quite to plan.

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⚠️ High Expectations, Inconsistent Results

Jones came into the league out of Georgia as a high-upside, ultra-athletic tackle — praised for his movement skills, raw power, and championship pedigree. But like many young offensive linemen, the transition to the NFL has been rocky.

• 2023: Inconsistent rookie season, started in rotation
• 2024: Improved in pass protection, but still struggled with technique and penalties
• 2025: Expected to take a leap — but so far, he’s been average at best

The Steelers have invested in surrounding talent and shuffled line combinations to find the right chemistry. And while the unit as a whole has improved, Jones remains the biggest question mark on a line full of developing pieces.

🧾 The Clock Is Ticking on His Future

The 2025 season is more than just another year of growth for Jones — it’s a make-or-break campaign.

As a first-round pick, he’s under contract through 2026, but the Steelers must make a decision this coming offseason on whether to exercise his fifth-year option for 2027. As it stands, that seems far from guaranteed.

If Pittsburgh chooses not to pick up the option, it would be a significant signal that Jones may not be viewed as the long-term answer at left tackle.

“This league doesn’t wait,” said one AFC offensive line coach who’s followed Jones since college. “You’ve got three years to prove you can anchor a line. If you’re still inconsistent by Year 3, they start looking elsewhere.”

🔍 What the Tape Says

While Jones has flashes of brilliance — particularly in run blocking — his pass sets remain a work in progress. He can get caught off balance by speed rushers and has struggled at times with hand placement, leading to drive-killing penalties or QB pressures.

Against the Vikings, despite the overall strong performance by the offensive line, Jones allowed two pressures and was flagged for a holding penalty in the second quarter — a reminder that he’s still far from a finished product.

However, coaches remain hopeful.

“He’s got all the tools,” said Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer earlier this season. “Now it’s about putting it together consistently.”

⏳ Still Time — But Not Much

The Steelers aren’t giving up on Jones — not yet. At just 24 years old, he still has the physical traits that made him a first-rounder. But the front office will be watching closely over the next 12 games.

Every snap matters. Every rep is a resume.

And with younger talent waiting in the wings — or available in free agency and the 2026 draft — Jones must prove he’s not just a project, but a pillar.

📝 Final Word: Big Ben’s Comments Are a Wake-Up Call

Roethlisberger’s critique may sound blunt, but it’s likely shared by many inside the building. From one franchise cornerstone to a player still trying to earn that status, the message is clear:

You’ve got the talent. Now show us you’ve got the game.

For Broderick Jones, the path to long-term NFL success is still wide open — but it’s narrowing fast. If he wants to stay in black and gold beyond 2026, the time to level up is now.