With the No. 17 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones. SB Nation's Dan Kadar ranks Jones as the No. 3 outside linebacker and No. 12 overall player in this year's class.
2013 NFL Draft results: Jarvis Jones selected by Steelers with 17th pick
Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 17 pick.
Jones put in a monster senior season for the Dawgs, recording 85 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles against some of the toughest competition in college football. He was a consensus All-American his junior and senior seasons, and he was awarded All-SEC first team honors in two consecutive years.
The Steelers needed another outside linebacker pass-rushing threat, because Pittsburgh’s always got a few of those guys. Jones should be able to come in and give an aging defense an instant jolt.
In a prospect profile on SB Nation, Jones’ speed was constantly praised.
Jones’ game is predicated on speed. When running in a straight line, Jones has what it takes to be a difference maker. He closes on the ball well and gets into the backfield in a hurry. In addition to the speed, though, Jones has the necessary explosiveness to disrupt plays quickly. He shows good anticipation off the snap and has a solid burst to beat offensive tackles.
He started college with USC, suffering a neck injury his freshman year. The team doctors were concerned about him playing again, so he decided to transfer to UGA. The Bulldogs felt good about him being on the field in red and black. After sitting out a season, he dominated in 2011 and 2012.
Injuries are the biggest weakness on his profile. Medical issues have deterred some scouts. His diagnosis of spinal stenosis hasn’t prevented him from football activities yet, though. As long as he’s healthy, Jones can be a dynamic pass-rusher at the next level.
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