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NFL Draft 2013: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Jarvis Jones No. 17 Overall

By Josh Hill

Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the least talked about teams in NFL Draft rumors because they really don’t need any flashy players. They weren’t looking to move and they weren’t looking to make a pick to sell tickets. Rather the Steelers make draft picks to win games and that’s exactly why they drafted jarvis Jones with the 17th overall pick in the draft.

Pittsburgh needs to get younger on defense and needs to start drafting for the future. The defense of old is getting exactly that — old. James Harrison is gone, guys like Troy Polomalu are aging and Mike Tomlin needs young guys to come in, step up and learn the ropes from the veterans currently leading the team. Jones comes out of Georgia so he’s an SEC product that can transition nicely to the NFL style of play.

There were some concerns about Jones’ health but those red flags have been cleared and the Steelers seem content with drafting him.

Jones will likely come right in and start out of the gate, which was expected when the Steelers were rumored to be interested in him. This is another pick that makes loads of sense, and while it’s not a flashy pick its one that will help the Steelers win in the long term and nothing sells tickets like that.

The NFL Draft is just getting started, so be sure to stay tuned to FanSided all weekend long to get the most up to date info on everything that happens at Radio City Music Hall. 

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