The Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to better their team without much financial wiggle room. Because of salary cap restraints, they are focusing on the NFL draft to help fill holes in the roster. With the departure of linebacker James Harrison and Jason Worilds entering the last year of his contract, the Steelers are looking at defensive stars to select with their first draft pick. According to NFL sources, Pittsburgh is hosting Georgia linebackers Jarvis Jones for a private workout.
Jones ranks in the top-25 on most draft expert's rankings. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, he has the build and strength to be a top defensive player in the league. Jones is known for his quick speed around the edge and can an effective pass rusher on any defensive unit. He is well rounded offering a lot of versatility to the linebacker position. Jones has been named to numerous All-American teams. In 2012, he registered 85 total tackles, including 14.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
Jones' downside came during his Pro Day earlier in March. Jones ran a disappointing 4.9 40-yard dash. That placed a red flag next to his name in the minds of many NFL scouts. He was a lot slower than many people were expecting. Now, the 40-yard dash is not the total judge of a player. Jones' time was comparable to someone like Terrell Suggs who also ran a 4.9 and was taken as a top 10 pick. Jones has a plenty of great game tape to back up his skills, but the 40 does carry some weight.
The Steelers will draft at No. 17 in the first round. This could pose as a problem if they want to get Jones. He is projected to be taken rather quickly in the draft and might be off the board by the time the Steelers select. The team is rumored to have interest in Manti Te'o as a backup option.
Te'o has been a rather controversial idea of a draft pick. Just a few months ago, he was a lock to be a top-10 pick. His 40-yard dash time was faster than Jones as he registered a 4.82 at his Pro Day. He also has great game tape to back up his playing abilities. However, he was exposed in the National Championship game. Pair that with a media scandal and Te'o's draft stock has taken a turn for the worst.
Te'o will certainly be around when the Steelers draft since many do not have him pegged as a first-round option. If Pittsburgh feels pressure to draft a linebacker, they could grab Te'o as a second choice to Jones.
