Tomlin expects Jarvis 'to be on the rise'

[stillers4me]

There was never a doubt Jarvis Jones’ name would be included among the Steelers’ final 53, with the only qualifier being that the 2013 No. 1 draft pick would emerge from training camp healthy enough to be a part of the regular season’s initial roster.

But there’s also no confusing Jones as a finished product, and no reason for commemorating the occasion with the type of celebratory “snapshot” the head coach hopes would prove outdated quickly.


“Jarvis is the type of young guy I expect to continually be on the rise,” Coach Mike Tomlin explained in advance of the Steelers’ cut to 53. “Sometimes you think as you push forward toward opening day that you can take a snapshot of the individual and the group and that’s the finished product, and really that’s far from the case..........

read more @
http://burgh.us/q25

[muncher]

no sh!t ?

[vader29]

His arrow is pointed up.

[GBMelBlount]

It's the only direction he can go.

[BigNastyDefense]

The only way this season can go worse is to get 0 sacks.

I really hope he's improved, I was excited about the pick and I really would like to see it work out (even if just to save from having a first round bust).

[GBMelBlount]

The only way this season can go worse is to get 0 sacks.

I really hope he's improved, I was excited about the pick and I really would like to see it work out (even if just to save from having a first round bust).

I stand corrected.

[jb500ex]

If Tomlin says it, it will happen

[BigNastyDefense]

I stand corrected.

LOL he finished last season with one sack. He really has nowhere to go but up, because the basement is pretty damn low. I mean, if he starts at OLB most of the year at least, he should luck into at least one sack.

[JayC]

jarvis jones 2013 highlight video

[GBMelBlount]

LOL!

[HollywoodSteel]

I'm as disappointed as anyone else, but the one thing that gives me hope about Jarvis is his attitude. Most busts have the physical skills but lack the mental fortitude and desire to really be coached and improve. If Jarvis does ultimately bust out, it will be because he just wasn't strong enough or fast enough or combination of both. But he has a motor, the love for the game, and the desire to get better. It took Harrison several years before the light finally switched on for him, but where others would have failed Harrison succeeded through force of will. Not saying Jones will ever be as good as Harrison, since he'll never be that strong or get that kind of leverage. But we will find out what his ceiling is within a year or two because he also has the will to succeed.

I'm still rooting for him. I'm just not sure he's improved enough so far to be the impact player we need at that position.

[Texasteel]

One thing that gives me hope are the players that were lable first round busts in the past. Troy was considered a bust by many his first year, Timmons was labled a bust by most his first 3 years. Will Jarvis follow this trend? Nothing is written is stone, but I hope he will. Lets see how he progresses during the year.

[zulater]

Watch him get about 10 sacks this year, then a bunch of people are going to be looking to delete old posts.

[Dwinsgames]

Watch him get about 10 sacks this year, then a bunch of people are going to be looking to delete old posts.

lol , nobody likes to be wrong ...

I will say again I loved the pick when it happened but he did disappoint me to some degree ...

that being said its one of the toughest pos to learn in Lebeaus def and be successful .... he has a year under his belt so he should now know where he needs to be at all times and the game should be slowing down somewhat ...

I look for improvement but not HUGE strides as that IMO is unrealistic I look for about half a dozen sacks ( if healthy ) this year ...

Next year should be his unveiling so to speak where he reaches double digit sacks ....

but remember its not all about sacks , pressures count too and forced fumbles ( he is good at that and will only get better )

I will take 50 solid pressures over a dozen sacks if those sacks come with minimal other pressures ...

lets allow it to unfold before throwing the " bust " word around ...

I think he will be just fine

[Mojouw]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I guess I will. What is the positive feeling on Jones based on? I am by no means lining up to call him a bust - it is too early for that. But why would his arrow be pointed up? I get that he may be playing faster this year because the mental stuff is easier, but what indication do we have that this will matter?

Jones has not demonstrated the strength or quickness to beat LT's in the NFL.

6 sacks is what you expect at OLB in the 3-4 from the likes of Clark Haggans and Carlos Emmons. I 1st round pick in his second year should be putting up 8-12 sacks. That is in par with the legit pass rushers in their 2nd year. Guys like Porter, Gildon, Harrison, Woodley, Lloyd etc.

Also I call BS on this whole "its too hard to impact in your rookie year in this complex defense".

Look at what Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith, Terrell Suggs, Clay Matthews all did their rookie years in zone-blitz defenses. Either you can rush the passer or you can't. I don't think Jones can in the NFL outside of schemes that specifically get him unblocked lanes to the backfield.

I hope I am wrong and will gladly admit so. Because at the end of the season it will mean that Jones has double digit sacks, buckets full of pressures/hurries, and a handful of forced fumbles.

[fansince'76]

Watch him get about 10 sacks this year, then a bunch of people are going to be looking to delete old posts.

We have set a 24-hour limit on that through the board software. If you haven't deleted a post within 24 hours, you own it at that point.

[Dwinsgames]

I hate to beat a dead horse, but I guess I will. What is the positive feeling on Jones based on? I am by no means lining up to call him a bust - it is too early for that. But why would his arrow be pointed up? I get that he may be playing faster this year because the mental stuff is easier, but what indication do we have that this will matter?

Jones has not demonstrated the strength or quickness to beat LT's in the NFL.

6 sacks is what you expect at OLB in the 3-4 from the likes of Clark Haggans and Carlos Emmons. I 1st round pick in his second year should be putting up 8-12 sacks. That is in par with the legit pass rushers in their 2nd year. Guys like Porter, Gildon, Harrison, Woodley, Lloyd etc.

Also I call BS on this whole "its too hard to impact in your rookie year in this complex defense".

Look at what Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith, Terrell Suggs, Clay Matthews all did their rookie years in zone-blitz defenses. Either you can rush the passer or you can't. I don't think Jones can in the NFL outside of schemes that specifically get him unblocked lanes to the backfield.

I hope I am wrong and will gladly admit so. Because at the end of the season it will mean that Jones has double digit sacks, buckets full of pressures/hurries, and a handful of forced fumbles.

I base it on countless hours of tape watched on his game in college in a system he was not only familiar with but comfortable in ...

I believe he will be more comfortable and his numbers will increase based on that ...

I also believe it takes 3 years in THIS system to show your true goods ...

what do Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith, Terrell Suggs, Clay Matthews all have in common ? none play in Lebeaus system reportedly by everybody that matters the most complex of ALL 3-4 defenses and the most proven of all of the 3-4 systems ....

[Mojouw]

I base it on countless hours of tape watched on his game in college in a system he was not only familiar with but comfortable in ...

I believe he will be more comfortable and his numbers will increase based on that ...

I also believe it takes 3 years in THIS system to show your true goods ...

what do Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith, Terrell Suggs, Clay Matthews all have in common ? none play in Lebeaus system reportedly by everybody that matters the most complex of ALL 3-4 defenses and the most proven of all of the 3-4 systems ....

How many of his plays in college were against NFL caliber tackles?

Matthews is playing under Dom Capers in GB. Can't get much closer to Lebeau w/out actually playing for the man. Additionally, look at the game logs for those players in their rookie years. They did not always start and were not asked to play minutes in all situations. But their natural pass rush skills were undeniable enough that they were at least placed on the field in pass rushing situations.

Jones has shown zero from the games I saw last season to indicate that he has high level pass rush ability. He racked up big #'s in college where he was the designated big #'s guy.

Again, I hope I am wrong. But I have seen nothing at the NFL level to indicate otherwise. I will admit it is totally possible that the first play from scrimmage on Sunday could prove me wrong. If so, I will be the first to jump on the Jarvis Jones bandwagon.

[Craic]

Of course, as a rookie, he only played in half of the defensive snaps as well. And when you think about it, someone like James Harrison couldn't even make a team until half way through his career, because things didn't click for him until then.

So I'll be patient with Jones. I wasn't impressed with him last year, but that doesn't mean much.

[Dwinsgames]

Of course, as a rookie, he only played in half of the defensive snaps as well. And when you think about it, someone like James Harrison couldn't even make a team until half way through his career, because things didn't click for him until then.

So I'll be patient with Jones. I wasn't impressed with him last year, but that doesn't mean much.

very true

- - - Updated - - -

How many of his plays in college were against NFL caliber tackles?

SEC , the most dominate division of college football need I say more ?

[muncher]

Watch him get about 10 sacks this year, then a bunch of people are going to be looking to delete old posts.

im one of those that called those guys busts when they were busts.
i dont recall anyone saying those guys are busts and will never be anything more.
on the flip side you have a ton a fans declaring every pick an instant superstar and then when they dont do squat they change their tune and say, 'gotta give them a few years'

[Mojouw]

SEC , the most dominate division of college football need I say more ?

I am curious as to how many of the tackles he beat like a drum on Saturdays are now suiting up on Sundays, let alone playing.

[Dwinsgames]

I am curious as to how many of the tackles he beat like a drum on Saturdays are now suiting up on Sundays, let alone playing.

he beat more than just tackles ... he lined up all over the formation inside / outside

just pick out the sec guys from last couple drafts and that gives you a good starting point

http://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/t

http://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/g

[Dwinsgames]

as a side note , and not trying to beat his drum any more but playing in the best conference in the NCAA you do not luck into this type of statistical records ...

Tackles for Loss
2011 NCAA 20 (8th)
2011 SEC 20 (1st)
2012 NCAA 24 (1st)
2012 SEC 24 (1st)
Career SEC** 44 (5th)

** Since 2005

Sacks
2011 NCAA 14 (2nd)
2011 SEC 14 (1st)
2012 NCAA 14 (1st)
2012 SEC 14 (1st)
Career NCAA* 28 (22nd)
Career SEC** 28 (2nd)

* Since 2005
** Since 2005

Fumbles Forced
2011 SEC 2 (10th)
2012 NCAA 7 (1st)
2012 SEC 7 (1st)
Career SEC** 9 (3rd)

** Since 2005

[fansince'76]

on the flip side you have a ton a fans declaring every pick an instant superstar and then when they dont do squat they change their tune and say, 'gotta give them a few years'

And then you have the other extreme where a ton of fans who had their hearts set on player X being taken at a certain spot in the draft and when "their guy" doesn't get picked, get all butthurt and pissed off about it and immediately shit on the player that actually was picked instead and declare them to be a bust on DRAFT DAY.

[Craic]

im one of those that called those guys busts when they were busts.
i dont recall anyone saying those guys are busts and will never be anything more.
on the flip side you have a ton a fans declaring every pick an instant superstar and then when they dont do squat they change their tune and say, 'gotta give them a few years'

And that's why rookies are labeled as . . . rookies. We've seen players have good rookie seasons then never play to that level again, and we've seen players that are mediocre at best until three, four, even five years into their careers. Labeling anyone a star OR a bust after one year, let alone two, is silly.

[muncher]

And then you have the other extreme where a ton of fans who had their hearts set on player X being taken at a certain spot in the draft and when "their guy" doesn't get picked, get all butthurt and pissed off about it and immediately shit on the player that actually was picked instead and declare them to be a bust on DRAFT DAY.

agreed.
i at least give those fans credit for knowing something about player X, unlike the fans that have no clue about any player. Yet as soon as the steelers pick them, they become a great pick.

[fansince'76]

Yeah, that figures...

[HollywoodSteel]

I think a lot of these types of threads degenerate into being about the fans and not the players. "you guys are homers with blinders on," "you guys are chicken littles who will eat your words," etc. All of that is fun, and all part of what message boards are about, but to me the valid reasons behind the opinions are more interesting. Everyone wants Jones to be a star. Even those who are pessimistic would love to be wrong if the team benefits. I don't watch much college football so I trust guys like Dwins and take their evaluations seriously. I'm not too worried about Jones mastering the mental stuff. If that proves to be his only problem then I believe we're golden, maybe not this year, but almost certainly by next. But I think most of the worry comes from what seem to be physical limitations. You can just look at James Harrison and understand why he became great as soon as the mental light came on. You don't get the same impression from looking at Jones or how, so far, he's been stonewalled NFL left tackles.

No one is calling Jones a bust yet. That would be ridiculous. We've seen Hall of Fame level greatness from Steeler linebackers in the past that people wrote off as not "looking the part" (I'm sure I don't need to point out to any of you who springs to my mind in that category). It's certainly possible that once Jones masters the mental aspects of the defense and improves upon his technique, that his motor, nose for the ball, and other intangibles will be enough to make up for his physical limitations. Maybe he can even get stronger. I'm really rooting for the kid, obviously because I want us to have a dominant defense, but also because I really like his personality and desire to improve (in much the same way that I really like Sharknado Thomas). But I also understand people's cause for concern and won't dismiss their opinions out of hand. I don't think anyone here has said anything unreasonable that they should later be embarrassed about, even if Jones turns out to be one of the all time greats.

My honest question for Dwins is: Do you think he's stronger than people are giving him credit for? Or do you agree with the strength assessment but believe that his other assets will cover that wart once he gets over the mental hump? What about his technique and use of leverage? Based on what you've seen of him, do you think those are areas where he needs vast improvement, or do you think he's pretty close right now?

[Dwinsgames]

I think a lot of these types of threads degenerate into being about the fans and not the players. "you guys are homers with blinders on," "you guys are chicken littles who will eat your words," etc. All of that is fun, and all part of what message boards are about, but to me the valid reasons behind the opinions are more interesting. Everyone wants Jones to be a star. Even those who are pessimistic would love to be wrong if the team benefits. I don't watch much college football so I trust guys like Dwins and take their evaluations seriously. I'm not too worried about Jones mastering the mental stuff. If that proves to be his only problem then I believe we're golden, maybe not this year, but almost certainly by next. But I think most of the worry comes from what seem to be physical limitations. You can just look at James Harrison and understand why he became great as soon as the mental light came on. You don't get the same impression from looking at Jones or how, so far, he's been stonewalled NFL left tackles.

No one is calling Jones a bust yet. That would be ridiculous. We've seen Hall of Fame level greatness from Steeler linebackers in the past that people wrote off as not "looking the part" (I'm sure I don't need to point out to any of you who springs to my mind in that category). It's certainly possible that once Jones masters the mental aspects of the defense and improves upon his technique, that his motor, nose for the ball, and other intangibles will be enough to make up for his physical limitations. Maybe he can even get stronger. I'm really rooting for the kid, obviously because I want us to have a dominant defense, but also because I really like his personality and desire to improve (in much the same way that I really like Sharknado Thomas). But I also understand people's cause for concern and won't dismiss their opinions out of hand. I don't think anyone here has said anything unreasonable that they should later be embarrassed about, even if Jones turns out to be one of the all time greats.

My honest question for Dwins is: Do you think he's stronger than people are giving him credit for? Or do you agree with the strength assessment but believe that his other assets will cover that wart once he gets over the mental hump? What about his technique and use of leverage? Based on what you've seen of him, do you think those are areas where he needs vast improvement, or do you think he's pretty close right now?

a little more strength never hurt anyone but for me the biggest issue is " uncertainty and not wanting to make a mistake " ( having to think before he can react ) ...closely followed by technique and lack of a solid repertoire of moves ... he was able to get by as a collegiate with out based on will , determination and comfort in the scheme ...

as he finds more comfort I think some of those issues work themselves out in a domino effect ....

as I am sure Porter is working with him in the other areas ...

I just think we are making a whole lot of things out of his lack of Rookie production that need not be made of it ...

how many rookies crack the starting lineup ever for this team ??? that in itself should say something for his ability

give him the same benefit of the doubt that others get while riding the pine learning ...

I believe he will be fine ... just give him some time