Commentary: Broderick Jones and an improved offensive line will carry the Steelers to contention

PITTSBURGH — The easiest story to write in the offseason is about a player is that he is in the best shape of his life. Believe me. As a former beat reporter, that was always one of the go-to stories and it still is for those covering the teams and looking for a fresh angle when no games are being played. It usually involves someone dropping a lot of weight or someone working with a new strength and conditioning coach and is usually a story that excites fans. I can tell you based on experience — most of the time, the players in the "best shape of their lives" haven't looked markedly different once the season began. But I am always willing to entertain these stories. Call me an optimist or maybe a sucker, but when I read them, I still hold out hope it is true. This year's version is Broderick Jones, who apparently has lost 10-15 pounds, has worked on his quickness and is moving a lot better than he has at any point in his short Steelers career. I read these stories with a little skepticism, but I will say the accompanying photos seem to show he is indeed a slimmer version of himself, and that is good news. That is maybe the best and most important development for the Steelers if indeed it means Jones is going to finally start to fulfill his enormous potential. You combine that with the fact he is moving to his more natural position of left tackle and multiple players saying he looks like he is far more comfortable (albeit without pads on) in that position, and the Steelers might be in business. Jones is the most important player on the Steelers' roster this year. I really believe that. I know we have spent a lot of time focused on quarterbacks and receivers and T.J. Watt, but truth be told, none of it matters if Jones continues to struggle like he has. He needs to be the anchor of the offensive line and he needs to be the guy who protects Aaron Rodgers, or I am not sure the Steelers offense will be better even with improved quarterback play. Actually, if you go beyond Jones, the offensive line in general may be the area that is most improved this year, and that will go a long way to fixing many of the issues the Steelers offense has had over the last few seasons. The Steelers have tried to be a running team, but they have been very average because their offensive line hasn't been consistent at creating running lanes. The passing game has been spotty for a few reasons, but one of them is the protection for whomever the quarterback has been has been leaky. It hasn't been talked about enough, but it is something that needed to improve, and I do believe the line will take a huge step forward this year. But Jones is the key to this. He just never seemed to fit on the right side, never seemed comfortable and never seemed to improve. He has had a few injuries that have slowed his progress, but it was clear he never settled in on the right side. Now, if Jones is who we think he can be, he will represent a sizable upgrade over Dan Moore Jr., and that in and of itself will make the line a far more effective unit. Moore was solid, never spectacular and that player the front office was always trying to find a replacement for because he was not quite good enough. The next part of the equation is right tackle Troy Fautanu, who, like Jones, is a first-round pick. We got to see very little of him last season because he got injured so early on, but from what we saw, he looks like he is going to be a very good right tackle for the Steelers for quite some time. He moves well, he is a bit of a brawler and he has good technique and fundamentals (according to coaches), so I think it sounds like a good fit. And if Fautanu is as good as advertised, he will represent an upgrade at right tackle, which means two of the positions are clearly better. Speaking of players who are going to be a fixture on the offensive line — not just this year but for years to come — center Zach Frazier and right guard Mason McCormick were two rookies thrust into starting action immediately. Frazier is going to be a really good center for the Steelers, as he quickly showed he belongs, and though McCormick was a little behind, he showed signs he has a chance to be an excellent guard, as well. The veteran of the group is Isaac Seumalo and he, too, has been slowed by a few injuries, but he is probably the best of the group. Health is always a factor, but the fact the Steelers can go all the way through OTAs, minicamp and training camp with the same unit intact is huge. We spent a lot of time talking about quarterbacks and not nearly enough about who is going to protect them. The Steelers offensive line holds the key to this season, and how much it improves will go a long way toward telling the tale of just how good the team is overall. Jones is the key, but I, for one, believe he is going to make some significant strides based on the offseason he has had.