2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Broderick Jones (OT – Georgia)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Broderick Jones.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Broderick Jones (OT – Georgia)

Broderick Jones (OT – Georgia)

6’4” – 310 lbs.

Background:

Five-star recruit and the nation’s top tackle from the class of 2020 according to Rivals. He sat behind left tackle Jamaree Salyer and right tackle Warren McLendon as a freshman in what ended up becoming a redshirt season. Ended up playing 438 snaps in 2021, including four starts and another four games in which he rotated in heavily (anywhere from 32-57 snaps); almost all came at left tackle but took a few snaps on the right. On the year, gave up a total of two sacks, one hit, and five hurries per PFF, being penalized once. Started all fifteen games at left tackle in 2022, not allowing a sack.

Positives:

Looks bigger than his listed size, with a strong build and what appears to be good length. Very favorable trajectory; one of the less experienced tackle prospects, but shows better technique and overall understanding of the position than many of his peers. Has a ton of power in his hands to jolt defenders, with vice-like grip strength and a strong understanding of how to use torque to wall-off opponents. Impressive combination of quickness and feel for positioning lets him win some snaps instantly. Capable of pulling and cracking backside pursuers. Works hard to climb to the second level or get out in space and execute. Overall balance is good; plays within his frame and keeps his head up and back straight. Plays snaps through the whistle and can be seen hunting down the field. In pass protection, plays with sufficient width in his base, shows some knee bend, and anchors easily against power. Covers enough ground with his kick slide to protect the edge against speed. Active with his hands, shooting them out and getting good extension overall. Light on his feet after contact to mirror. Capable of leading the way in the screen game, with impressive overall speed/athleticism. Good timing on his cut blocks.

Negatives:

Measurements will be important since he’s on the borderline of what some teams accept for an offensive tackle. Movements can look a little bit clunky at times. Hand placement needs to be more consistently inside; could be penalty-prone at the next level. More of a wall-off blocker than a mauler; pad level can sometimes be a little too high out of his stance, and doesn’t have a ton of leg drive once engaged. Occasionally needs to sell out to defend the edge against wide alignments, leaving him susceptible to inside moves. All of his reps have come at left tackle but could be a candidate to slide inside for some teams.

Summary:

A very intelligent tackle prospect who shows an advanced understanding of positioning which, combined with a strong lower body, an incredible grip, solid balance, and good athleticism, makes him an effective wall-off blocker in the run game who also shows the short-area quickness to protect the edge in the passing game. Assuming his measurements satisfy pro teams, has a good shot of sticking outside at tackle, preferably in a man-blocking scheme like he’s currently playing in. A good bet to be one of the top offensive line prospects off the board.

Projection: Round 1