The first half of the 2013 NFL Draft didn’t go as planned by many experts. However, for the Pittsburgh Steelers, things went according to plan. With the 17th overall pick, the Steelers selected University of Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones.
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Jones is a two-time Consensus First-Team All-American, and a two-time First-Team All-SEC selection. While playing in Athens,GA, Jones had a total of 28 sacks in his two years of playing, and led the nation in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5), and forced fumbles (seven) in 2012.
Despite a neck injury he suffered prior to transferring to Georgia and a disappointing showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Jones is still a player that can get it done on the field, and plays better than his workout numbers indicate.
Many people, including myself predicted that Jones would be wearing the black and gold this coming season, and hopefully continuing a great Steelers tradition at outside linebacker.
Not only does Pittsburgh now have someone to replace the departed James Harrison, they have also added depth and youth to their aging defense. In addition, Jones’ pass-rushing presence may help fellow linebacker LaMarr Woodley on the left side of the defense. Woodley had a career-low four sacks in 2012.
Jones will definitely help Pittsburgh’s defense, which was first in the NFL in overall defense in 2012, in the category of takeaways.
So far, things are going as planned for general manager Kevin Colbert and the rest of the Steelers’ organization. Now we’ll have to wait for tomorrow and see how everything pans out leading up to Pittsburgh’s second-round pick.
For more information on Jarvis Jones check out his 2013 NFL Draft Profile here!
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller, or add him to your network on Google
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