Jarvis Jones is one of the most intriguing players in the 2013 NFL draft and based on recent reports, a dog fight could go on for the Georgia linebacker, as the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to the prospect in the first round.
According to NFL.com, Jones says that he has been told by teams that he will not make it past the Steelers at 17, if he even lasts that long, as the Jets have picks nine and 13 after the Buccaneers Darrelle Revis trade and the Saints pick 15th, two selections ahead of the Steelers at 17. Jones spoke to the websites and said that he feels he will not get past the Steelers, who need some young talent at linebacker after releasing James Harrison and missing the playoffs last season.
Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News reported that the Jets are interested in the linebacker, especially after getting two picks in the top 13 after the Revis deal. Mehta wrote on Twitter that fans should get to know Jones, who played outside linebacker last season for the Georgia Bulldogs. Jones had some medical issues following him through the combine after dealing with a neck issue early in his career, but he has since been cleared by doctors and that shouldn't stop him from being a top pick.
The linebacker was one of the most important players for the Bulldogs last season and he helped Georgia have the fourth ranked defense in the nation while making 14.5 sacks to lead the team. During his time at Georgia after transferring from USC, Jones made 28 sacks and 44 tackles for a loss in 26 games and was named first team all SEC. As a finalist for many awards last year he should be one of the first linebackers drafted and he joins Dion Jordan and Sharrif Floyd as some of the top defensive players in the draft.
Jones was excellent in the SEC championship against Alabama, making six tackles and two sacks in the loss and he also added a season-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo, and three sacks in the regular season win over Florida. Jones joins linebacker Alec Ogletree as Bulldogs linebackers in the draft and both players are expected to go in the first round.
