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In the NFL, first-round draft picks are often written off as busts if they do not become difference-makers as soon as they are drafted. While some players, such as Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack, can be an instant star, others need time to mature and learn the system, and some never do. Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones belongs in one of the latter two categories, and the jury is still out.
Jones, the 17th overall pick in the 2013 draft, was thought to be the answer to the Steelers’ questions at outside linebacker. He amassed 14.5 sacks in his senior year at the University of Georgia, best in the nation, and was a team captain. These qualities made Steelers fans hopeful that the pressure he would put on the quarterback would give them something they hadn’t seen since James Harrison was in his prime.
That has not been the case. Jones’ first year was hampered by injuries and ineffective play. He did not fare too much better in his sophomore campaign, as he was sidelined after just three games with a wrist injury that he didn’t return from. Just three sacks in two years, Steelers fans are wondering if the No. 17 pick in the 2013 draft will be remembered for what he could have been.
That said, there are reasons to be hopeful. Jones has not played a full season, or even a half of a season for that matter. The Steelers were 17th in the league last year in takeaways, struggling to produce turnovers. Jones was a monster at Georgia in that category, forcing 7.5 turnovers his senior year, which Steelers fans would love to see on Sundays at Heinz Field.
The defense in Pittsburgh has gotten younger in the last year, from the departures of Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor to the picks of Bud Dupree and Senquez Golson. The leadership of veteran linebacker James Harrison and linebackers coach Joey Porter will be there to guide the new crop of Steelers defensive players, but ultimately it will be up to them to fill their roles.
The Steelers will need Jones to live up to his potential if their defense is going to compete with the best in the NFL next year.
