Predicting The 2013 NFL Awards

Nov 3, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) in the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Rookie Of The Year

Jarvis Jones-Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the biggest surprises on draft night this year came when Jarvis Jones slid all the way down to pick 17, where the Steelers snatched him up. Jones showed incredible athleticism and ability to get to the quarterback throughout his career at Georgia, and I think it will translate very nicely to the NFL.

Jones is a bit undersized, as he is listed at 6’2 and weighing in at 245 pounds. But this is something that I believe Jones can use to his advantage when it comes time to go after that quarterback. He has an incredible burst off the line, and it may be a bit of a shock for left tackles in today’s game to see someone with the physical makeup of Jones. Throughout the 2012 season, I tuned in to Georgia football games for the sole reason of watching Jones work. He knows how to rush the quarterback, and he just has a knack for making plays. The downside of being on the smaller side for Jones, is he will not be nearly as effective when it comes to stopping the run. The Steelers may opt to only put him on the field for passing situations, and return him to the sidelines on first and second down. Regardless of how Jones is used, I think he is primed for a huge season down in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense is aging, and they needed a guy like Jones to give them a “shot”, and maybe wake up the rest of that unit.