NFL Mock Draft 2013: Steelers select Jarvis Jones

Pittsburgh is aging on defense badly, making Jones the perfect fit.

By Matt Verderame Mar 25, 2013, 10:00am EDT

In SB Nation's last mock draft by Dan Kadar, the Pittsburgh Steelers are bolstering their defense with the No. 17 overall pick, selecting outside linebacker Jarvis Jones from the Georgia Bulldogs.

Jones was considered to a consensus top five pick earlier in the offseason, but his stock has taken some hits. First it was discovered that Jones has spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal column. However, he has been medically cleared.

In 2012, Jones was an animal on the field, amassing a career-high 14.5 sacks including a three-sack performance against the Florida Gators.

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He also had a bad pro day, pulling up with tightness in his hamstring while running his 40-yard dash, although he did finish the drills.

All that said, Jones is a fantastic athlete that can rush the quarterback with relentlessness and wall off a running play to his side of the field. With James Harrison gone, Pittsburgh needs a bookend to LaMarr Woodley, and Jones would certainly provide that.

Jones can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4, but is better suited for the latter. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau could move him around in formations, exercising all of Jones' abilities.