NFL: Cordarrelle Patterson, players sure to breakout in 2014

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Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) on the field during the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarvis Jones, OLB Pittsburgh Steelers

Prior to being held up by some concerns about his long-term health as he entered the NFL, Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was potentially pegged as a top-5 draft pick in the class of 2013. Fortunately for Jones, his medicals checked out to the point where Pittsburgh was able to snatch him up with the 17th overall selection, but on the negative side, the former Georgia Bulldogs pass-rusher failed to make the immediate impact that some projected.

Still, Jones is one of the more talented players on Pittsburgh’s defense as the 2014 campaign opens, and there has been a great deal of discussion about the adjustment period needed under legendary Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Jones contributed only 30 tackles and 1 sack as a rookie, but he will seemingly be given every opportunity to expand on that total with a great deal of playing time in 2014, and his pedigree suggests that opportunity should equal production.

Jarvis Jones may not light the world on fire with 10+ sacks in his sophomore season, but as long as he is taking up residence in the backfield as predicted, Steelers fans will be quite pleased with his performance.

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