Broderick Jones
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Fantasy Pros's Mike Fanelli predicted the Pittsburgh Steelers to draft a first-round offensive tackle to replace Broderick Jones.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might have to replace left tackle Broderick Jones during the 2026 NFL season. Ironically, Fantasy Pros’s Mike Fanelli projected the Steelers to do so with a tackle who didn’t miss a college start.
In his 2026 NFL mock draft released this week, Fanelli slotted Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller to the Steelers at No. 21 overall.
As a right tackle, Miller wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Jones. But the Steelers could flip incumbent right tackle Troy Fautanu, who was a 2024 first-rounder, to left tackle and then insert Miller at right tackle.
“Broderick Jones hasn’t worked out since the Steelers used a first-round pick on him in 2023,” wrote Fanelli. “The new coaching staff won’t be committed to him.”
Miller set longevity records at Clemson. He started every contest (54) over his four years with the Tigers, which set a new school record for consecutive starts by a non-specialist.
Miller also broke the Clemson record for snaps played from scrimmage with 3,778.
“Ultimate iron man at right tackle with 54 career starts. Miller has unusual lateral quickness and fluidity in space despite playing too upright,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “His hands lack accuracy and command in both phases, but he can recover and make blocks with a finisher’s mindset.
“Miller is rarely beaten by rush games, but he has his edges attacked because of his hand issues. He will encounter difficulties at the next level without better pad level, core strength and cleaner technique.
“If he tightens up in those areas, Miller can become a solid NFL right tackle.”
Why Blake Miller Could Be 2026 First-Round Pick
Fanelli is the latest analyst to project the Steelers to target a tackle in the first round of the 2026 draft. It’s become a popular prediction in large part because of Jones.
The Steelers have to like Miller’s durability. Fautanu suffered a season-ending injury in 2024 while Jones didn’t play after Thanksgiving because of a season-ending ailment.
Miller never came off the field for Clemson’s offense.
He played well too. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Matt Miller each rated Miller among their top five offensive tackles in the 2026 class.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Miller at No. 19 among all prospects. Miller rose five spots on the analyst’s 3.0 rankings.
“A high school wrestler, the iron man started 54 games at Clemson. He has ideal size, length and strength for the position,” Jeremiah wrote. “In pass protection, he has enough quickness to cover up speed rushers off the edge.
“Overall, Miller has the ideal profile for a starting NFL right tackle.”
Broderick Jones Facing Uncertainty Future With Steelers
The Steelers could potentially draft an offensive tackle for the third time in the past four first rounds because of Jones’s murky future.
After two rocky seasons at right tackle to begin his NFL career, Jones showed signs of improvement at left tackle last season. But on November 23, he suffered a neck injury that he’s still recovering from this offseason.
“When left tackle Broderick Jones was injured in Week 12, the Steelers initially downplayed it and suggested he had a chance to return before the playoffs,” wrote The Athletic’s DeFabo. “However, fusion surgery in Jones’ neck could be a major curveball that changes plans in the short and long term.”
DeFabo added that general manager Omar Khan “balked” when asked publicly if Jones would be ready for training camp.
But even before that, the Steelers have an important decision with Jones. The team has to decide whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option on May 1. If they exercise the deal, the Steelers will agree to pay Jones $19.07 million in 2027.
That’s a lot for a tackle who isn’t dealing with a serious injury and hasn’t quite proven to be a reliable starter yet.
To avoid the risk, the Steelers could forego exercising Jones’s option. If that decision is already finalized before the draft, it would make sense for the team to search for another starting left tackle.
That wouldn’t be Miller. But with Fautanu, the Steelers could make Miller work along their line.