Jarvis

Jones

Although Jones is a virtual lock to be featured in Pittsburgh’s sub-packages, the Steelers have a history of making all rookies wait a year before handing them starting jobs. They’re penciling in Jason Worilds across from LaMarr Woodley, for now. If Jones does win the first-team position before Week 1, he’ll be a DROY candidate at weak-side rusher in Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense.

The Steelers have a history of bringing their rookies along slowly, and they’ve already been developing Jason Worilds for three seasons. “It’s going to be difficult (for Jones to start immediately), especially outside,” Foote said. “There is so much technique, (knowing) where you’ve got to line up, inside or outside.” Still, the talent gap between Jones and Worilds is wide. He’ll get plenty of snaps opposite LaMarr Woodley.

Kendrell Bell and Casey Hampton both started as rookies on Pittsburgh’s 2001 defense. Jarvis Jones is trying to end the 11-year drought by beating out Jason Worilds for James Harrison’s old right outside linebacker role. “He’s showing us things,” LBs coach Keith Butler said of Jones. “And if he keeps showing those things he’s going to be a big part of (the defense), hopefully.”

USC’s medical staff wouldn’t clear Jones to play football due to the spinal condition as a freshman. So he transferred to Georgia, received medical clearance, and went on to become one of the SEC’s most feared pass rushers. Health concerns will ostensibly be a non-issue going forward regarding Jones’ draft stock. ESPN’s Mel Kiper insists Jones will be a top-five pick, but Rotoworld’s Josh Norris expects Jones to slip into the teens; perhaps to Pittsburgh at No. 17.

“That ain’t true,” Jones said. “People are still talking to me. ... The doctor said I was fine and cleared me and the Combine went fine for me. I was cleared medically. Teams know my situation. Everything went great.” Jones has no way of knowing teams’ internal draft boards, but did indeed get good news on his neck at the Combine. Jones is unlikely to go as early as his talent would dictate, but might not be in for a Da’Quan Bowers-esque fall.

Jones also completed 20 bench press reps to go along with a 9-foot-3 broad jump. It’s an underwhelming performance, and the forty time is defensive tackle-esque. Jones wasn’t expected to wow scouts with his forty. He plays much faster on film, but Thursday’s results coupled with spotty medicals might push Jones into the bottom of the first round.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones’ plan is to focus on his March 21 Pro Day in Athens (GA). Jones is likely to receive criticism for skipping out on workouts in Indy, even if it won’t affect his draft stock much. Although Jones was a highly productive college pass rusher, there is some chatter around the league that he won’t test particularly well in pre-draft drills.

Independent orthopedist Craig Brigham refutes the notion that Jones ever even had a significant spinal cord contusion, and concluded that Jones either had a mild spinal cord concussion or simply a neck stinger that has long since resolved. “Jarvis is cleared to play without restriction,” said Brigham. After receiving good news on his neck at the Combine, Jones may not be in for such a dramatic tumble down boards as was initially thought. It’s Lying Season in the NFL, of course, and difficult to know what to believe on draft prospects.

PFT reports Jones is being removed from draft boards, ostensibly after Combine medical exams confirmed the stenosis. Jones received a clean bill of health at Georgia and dominated the SEC, but he’s opted out of Combine drills and “multiple teams” have “already decided to avoid him.” We witnessed a similar situation in the 2011 draft. Widely expected to be a top-ten pick, Da’Quan Bowers slipped all the way to Bucs’ second-round selection (No. 51).

“Numerous sources” tell NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah that Jones needs extra time to improve his test numbers because his measurable athleticism is unimpressive. Jones is the only player sitting out the Combine despite being 100 percent. It’s quite possible his “stock will drop” if he tests poorly at Pro Day.