Eight Down, One To Go
The Steelers have signed all but one player from this years draft class, that being quaterback Landry Jones. Outside pass rushing specialist Jarvis Jones has inked a deal reportedly for $8.5 million with a $4.7 million signing bonus, his contract also includes an option to extend into a fifth year. The Steelers have high hopes for Jones, given the release of James Harrison and incumbent starter Jason Worilds thus far not being offered a new contract, the job is up for him to win assuming the Steelers break their long tradition of never letting a rookie linebacker start. Jones certainly did walk the walk as a Georgia Bulldog, how that translates against NFL size offense lineman remains to be seen. You can watch 2012 highlights of Jarvis Jones and judge for yourself.
Another hopeful draft prospect is second round pick Le’veon Bell signed his four year contract, details of which are undisclosed. Bell’s size and stature would not suggest he fits the typical bruising running back physique fans have become accustomed to in Pittsburgh, but neither did Willie Parker yet he got the job done. The coaching staff is enamored with Bell’s ability to catch the ball out of the back field and gain yardage in open space, this is what we are seeing in Le’Veon’s college highlight reel. Many die hard Steelers fans held hopes of drafting Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, but it was Bell’s style that Todd Haley feels with compliment his offense best. Time will tell as the team is clearly eager to finish stronger in the coming season than they did a years ago. OTA’s finish on Thursday at Heinz Field, followed shortly by mandatory mini camp, then onto training camp.