As the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially parted ways with long-time team veteran James Harrison, they are in need of a big body to fill that void. While they have not made a run for anyone during free agency, the upcoming NFL draft is stocked with talented defensive players that could greatly benefit the team. The Steelers have brought in multiple people for a visit but have seemed to set their focus on former Georgia star Jarvis Jones.
Jones is targeted as one of the best linebackers in this year's draft class. The team hosted him for a visit earlier this month and could be likely to take him with the 17th overall pick. Jones has been a players floating around on draft boards. While it is assumed his will be gone by the end of the first round, he could fall to multiple teams.
Jones had injury issues that placed him as a possible red flag entering the draft. He had been suffering from a serious neck injury that also hurt his back. He has since received full medical clearance. He also had an underwhelming Pro Day in March, running a much slower 40-yard dash time than others at his position. However, Jones was one of the best linebackers in the SEC and has the game tape to prove it. He recorded 28 sacks while at Georgia. Many draft experts believe that will be enough to keep Jones as a first-round pick with the potential to go in the top 20, top 15.
The Steelers run the risk of Jones being off the board before the select. The team has traded up before to get a big defensive player. They rolled the dice to get Troy Polamalu and he proved worth the risk. They might take the same chance to get Jones. The Steelers have taken a serious took at Manti Te'o as another serious option in the draft. He will surely be around at No.17, but is a risky first-round choice.
With Harrison now likely to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals sooner rather than later, the Steelers are in serious need of a big name replacement. Harrison led the team year in and year out in defense, helping carry the unit to finish the season ranked No.1 overall. Whoever the team drafts in his place, has big shoes to fill.
