Former Steelers 1st Round LB Jarvis Jones Arrested; Facing Major Charges

Recently, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Jarvis Jones saw himself in trouble with the law. The Georgia Bulldogs' staffer was charged with reckless driving, as well as excessive speeding on Friday night. The arrest took place in the Athens-Clarke County of Georgia. Jones played with the Steelers from 2013-2016. He was released from custody after posting a $2,400 bond. According to USA Today, Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart says Jones will be internally disciplined. Furthermore, this isn't the first time we've seen Georgia involved in a traffic related legal issue.

Georgia has been linked with traffic related incidents many times in the past. Since just January, there has been 10 traffic related incidents in the Athens-Clarke County involving either a Georgia player or staffer. The biggest one making headlines came on January 15th following the Bulldogs National Championship win. During the incident, it was reported that two players were attempting to race (including star Jalen Carter), which would result in Georgia player Devin Willock, and staffer Chandler LeCroy sadly losing their lives. The college football world seemed to halt as we saw people celebrating a milestone turn into tragedy. Following the Jones arrest, it makes you wonder when these incidents will stop occurring for the Bulldogs. 

Former Steelers Linebacker Jarvis Jones' Troubled NFL Career

Jones was drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Steelers. After initially being drafted, Steelers fans were excited to see what the former All-American had in store. Sadly, Jones' career would be one that wouldn't live up to the hype of his college career. Steelers' front office and fans would be severely disappointed in Jones' play while with the Steelers. 

In 2013, the Steelers were looking for their biggest need in the draft, an edge rusher. Therefore, the obvious pick was Jones. During his time with the Bulldogs, Jones would be a 2x consensus All-American, 2x SEC All-American, and would even win SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. The future looked bright for Jones. During his rookie season, Jones would put up a very "quiet" rookie year, only having 1 sack. During his rookie season, teams would take advantage of Jones' lack of arm strength. He would have a total of 40 tackles, and four pass deflections. 

Of course, following his rookie season, no one really thought at the time Jones would be a complete bust. But his sophomore season would prove to be just more disappointment. He would only start three of seven games the entire season. During those seven games, Jones would only have a total of 18 tackles and two sacks. 

The Steelers would later select outside linebacker from Kentucky, Bud Dupree. Following the selection of Dupree, the hope was for the two to challenge each other for the main outside linebacker role. But Dupree would completely blow Jones out of the water. Dupree would rack up a total of four sacks in 16 games in 2015. It was then that it was obvious that Dupree would take the main outside linebacker role from Jones. And Jones' role with the Steelers would then diminish. In 2015, Jones would fall in the shadows of rookie Dupree. 

The Steelers would decide not to exercise their 5th-year option with Jones, and Jones would become a free agent following the 2016 NFL season. He would be signed by the Arizona Cardinals. Before appearing in a game for them however, Jones would suffer a back injury and then sign an injury settlement before being released. Now, Jones finds himself back with a role with the Bulldogs. Jones is currently their connections coordinator. Following his arrest, it will be interesting to see how Bulldogs Head Coach Smart handles the situation with Jones. 

What does Steeler Nation believe? Was Jones the biggest draft bust the Steelers have ever had? How do you think his legal situation will play out. Please comment below!

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