Seizing the opportunity to move up and get the player they coveted, the Steelers swung a deal with New England in the first round of the NFL Draft last night. They swapped the 17th choice and a 4th round draft pick to the Patriots for the 14th overall selection, and chose Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones.
The 6-5, 311-pound Jones is the first tackle the Steelers have taken in the first round since Jamain Stephens in 1996. He can play either side and will compete with Dan Moore Jr. and Chuks Okorafor for a starting job.
Coach Mike Tomlin says the 22-year-old Jones is pretty good now and can get much better.
Tomlin says the Steelers were ready to trade and New England, which analysts say was eager to prevent the Jets from getting Jones, was more than willing.
Steelers GM Omar Khan swung the deal to move up to the 14th pick. He was thrilled to do it.
The player many expected the Steelers to pick, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., surprisingly went unpicked in the first round, so he is still a possibility for Pittsburgh with the first choice in the second round tonight, number 32 overall. But Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is also still on the board and the Steelers could entertain a trade with a team looking for a QB, and then still have a shot at Porter.
Quarterbacks went with three of the first four picks last night. Carolina opened the night taking Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the top pick. Then Houston took Ohio State’s CJ Stroud and after a trade, the Texans took Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. The Colts chose Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, then Seattle grabbed Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the fifth overall pick.
Pitt defensive lineman Calijah Kancey was taken by Tampa Bay with the 19th overall choice.
NFL
The Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson have agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract. $185 million is guaranteed money. Jackson will make $52 million per season.
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