2013 NFL Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers select Jarvis Jones with the No. 17 pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers had to wait until the middle of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but eventually got their man.

With the No. 17 pick the Steelers selected Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones, who helps as a pass rusher immediately.

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

There were a couple spots during the first round  where it looked  as if the Steelers would lose out on Jones, who they pretty much targeted since day one, but fortunately he fell to them.

Jones led the nation in sacks a season ago and did so against the best competition in the country, which makes him an attractive fit in the Steelers 3-4 defense.

He was once considered  the top defensive player in the draft, but his stock fell a bit after it was found out that he had a spinal stenosis condition. After Jones was cleared medically, he didn’t do himself any favors by not having a great pro day, which resulted in him slipping even more.

But that’s great news for the Steelers who end up with one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the draft.

The Steelers were in need of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The last couple of  seasons they have had their issues getting to the quarterback and making big plays.

Jones will go a long way to helping solve that problem.

He should immediately compete with Jason Worilds to fill the spot created by James Harrison’s release.