2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers host Georgia LB Jarvis Jones
By Matt Shetler
With the 2013 NFL Draft just a little over three weeks away, the Pittsburgh Steelers are starting to get busy hosting potential draft picks.
The latest came on Tuesday when Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones paid a visit.
November 17, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) shown on the sidelines during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Southern 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The 6’2″, 245-pound Jones is regarded as one of the top defensive players in this year’s draft and when the 2012 season ended, it would have been hard to envision a scenario where he would have been available when the Steelers pick at No. 17.
Jones recorded 28 sacks in two seasons with the Bulldogs and would be a very nice fit in Pittsburgh after the team released veteran outside linebacker James Harrison in March. In addition, Jason Worilds, who’s the most likely replacement for Harrison, is entering the final year of his contract.
While Jones is a well-regarded prospect, he could now fall to the middle of the first round.
Jones reportedly did not run particularly fast (4.85 in the 40-yard dash) at Georgia’s Pro Day. In addition, he has a neck condition said to have been discovered when he was at USC, however he has checked out well medically so far.
He had one of the best seasons of any player in college football last season, leading all FBS division players with 14.5 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss on his way to earning First Team All-American honors according to coaches and the Associated Press.