2013 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Georgia LB Jarvis Jones
By Matt Shetler
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Player Name: Jarvis Jones
Position, School: LB, Georgia
November 17, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) reacts to a run play 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 Steelers have a ton of holes to fill but adding a young playmaking linebacker is certainly one of them. Jones will turn out to be a steal at No. 17, as Jones is relentless and provides a perfect pass-rushing fit at outside linebacker for a defense that needs more talent up front. He didn’t overwhelm at his pro day, but Jones is a player that led the nation in sacks and did so playing against the top competition in college football.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Player Name: Sheldon Richardson
Position, School: DT, Missouri
The Cowboys will need to go defensive tackle to fill a need in Monte Kiffin’s 4-3 defense. There are also other needs, including safety, which makes Kenny Vaccaro a possibility, but if the Cowboys don’t upgrade their front, the switch to a 4-3 will be a rough transition. Either way they have the opportunity to fill a big hole on their defense.
19. New York Giants
Player Name: Desmond Trufant
Position, School: CB, Washington
Depth at cornerback has to be a priority for the Giants. Trufant is a guy that can line up on the inside or outside and is effective playing man or zone. He has tons of talent and will be an instant upgrade for the G-Men.
20. Chicago Bears
Player Name: Tyler Eifert
Position, School: TE, Notre Dame
The Bears get no production from their tight ends. It’s time to get Jay Cutler another weapon. Eifert has the speed to stretch the seam and also develop routes to the edges, and can’t be effectively covered by anybody. He’s too tall for corners and safeties, too fast for linebackers. He is in the mold of the new age tight end that will catch balls at the rate most top receivers do. He is a guy I also think the Steelers should consider at No. 17.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Player Name: Manti Te’o
Position, School: LB, Notre Dame
Rey Maualuga is arguably one of the worst defensive starters in the NFL. Te’o could be the top available player here and would be a big boost to the Bengals’ linebacking corps. This could ultimately end up being a steal at No. 21 as all the drama aside, Te’o is a great talent. He’s instinctive, makes tackles and is extremely great when the defensive line provides coverage and allows him to roam free.
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington)
Player Name: Kenny Vaccaro
Position, School: FS, Texas
The Rams could go multiple directions with this pick, but I like them to target a safety here. Vaccaro is a steal this late as he is as good in coverage as he is a physical presence.
Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Syracuse defeated West Virginia 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
23. Minnesota Vikings
Player Name: Tavon Austin
Position, School: WR, West Virginia
The Vikings offense lacks a big wide receiver that can make plays, especially after the Percy Harvin trade. Adding Greg Jennings helps, but Austin would fill the Harvin role great. Austin is one of the true home run threats in this draft, and while he’s perfect to work in the slot, he is a player who the Vikings can get creative with; similar to the way they used Harvin.
24. Indianapolis Colts
Player Name: Sylvester Williams
Position, School: DT, North Carolina
The Colts need an upgrade at defensive tackle and Williams is a nice fit. They can go multiple directions with this pick, but Williams is an active, powerful, interior presence who can occupy blocks. He fills a need in Indy.
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle)
Player Name: Kevin Minter
Position, School: LB, LSU
The Vikings need a middle linebacker that can step in and play right away. Getting Minter this late is a gift as he is a guy makes good reads and is a steady tackler.
26. Green Bay Packers
Player Name: Keenan Allen
Position, School: WR, California
Donald Driver retired and Greg Jennings left as a free agent so Aaron Rodgers needs more weapons. The Packers have other needs but it would be hard to pass on the talents of Allen here.
27. Houston Texans
Player Name: DeAndre Hopkins
Position, School: WR, Clemson
Hopkins is a beast and the Texans can add some explosiveness to their already solid passing attack, although they could elect to target a linebacker here.
28. Denver Broncos
Player Name: D.J. Hayden
Position, School: CB, Houston
Champ Bailey, while still effective, is getting up there in age. That being said, the Broncos need to add secondary depth. Hayden, if it weren’t for injuries, would be in the conversation for the best corner in the draft. He has a very high ceiling and helps fill a need for the Broncos.
29. New England Patriots
Player Name: John Jenkins
Position, School: DT, Georgia
The Patriots go for the best player left by taking Jenkins, a strong defensive tackle with very good short-area quickness. They don’t have much of an interior pass rush and could spend an early draft choice on a complement for Vince Wilfork.
30. Atlanta Falcons
Player Name: Bjoern Werner
Position, School: DE, Florida State
Werner keeps on slipping as it was once thought that he would be a certain top five pick. But he’s a guy who can still get after the quarterback, which is a need for the Falcons. He is quick off the ball and is a speed-to-power rusher who does a very good job of getting under the offensive tackles’ pads. he can finish plays and closes on the ball very well.
31. San Francisco 49ers
Player Name: Margus Hunt
Position, School: DE, SMU
Justin Smith is 34 and it would make some sense to add depth up front. Hunt is strong and very athletic and is a good pass rushing 3-4 defensive end.
32. Baltimore Ravens
Player Name: Jonathan Cyprien
Position, School: S, Florida International
The Super Bowl champs take a shot on filling the void left by Ed Reed’s departure. Cyprien is smart in coverage and a very good tackler. The Ravens could go multiple directions with this pick, but Cyprien is a guy that can help immediately.