NFL preseason 2015: Players with most to prove

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after an incomplete pass during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Jets 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) watches the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Steelers, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers – Jarvis Jones

Why is he the pick?

The Steelers have long been known for their defense. Even though they have enjoyed Hall of Fame-caliber quarterbacks in Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger over the last 40 years, the story has always been about the toughness on the other side of the ball. Suddenly, this is a team that has very little in the way of known defensive quantities. Pittsburgh’s new defensive coordinator, Kevin Butler, needs a man to step up.

After being a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Jones should be that man. In his two seasons thus far, the pass-rusher out of the University of Georgia has battled injuries and poor football, only racking up three sacks in 21 career games at the outside linebacker spot. Jones needs to spend all of camp learning from veteran James Harrison while becoming a weapon.

What is at stake?

Pittsburgh’s ability to make the playoffs. Everyone knows the offense is going to score points. Any time you have Roethlisberger handing off to Le’Veon Bell and throwing to Antonio Brown and Heath Miller, that unit is going to click. However, the defense lost a ton in coordinator Dick LeBeau, safety Troy Polamalu, corners Ike Taylor and Brice McCain, defensive end Brett Keisel and inside linebacker Jason Worilds. Jones must make a positive impact to keep this defense adequate.

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