NFL Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints Select LB Jarvis Jones in Updated Mock

November 17, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jarvis Jones (29) shown on the sidelines during the game against the Georgia Southern Eagles during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Southern 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have used the No. 15 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft on former Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones in the newest mock draft from NFLmocks.com.

Fansided’s very own Blake Meek on the selection:

"With the switch to the 3-4, the Saints are going to need pass rushers. Jones is one of the top talents in this draft, but with the medical concerns he has dropped. Was an absolute play maker last year at Georgia and is a steal here at 15."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9UWiKrUQCU

Our Take:

As Meek points out, this is a great value pick for the Saints at No. 15 overall. The outside linebacker position is far from a settled matter in New Orleans despite the signing of Victor Butler.

Butler joined a stable that also includes Martez Wilson and Juinor Galette. As of now, no starters have been named as new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan attempts to figure out who best fits where.

Make no mistake—Jones would take the starting job from any of the above.

Jones is knocked for his injury history, but his supposed spinal issues appear to have been a bit overblown according to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post. The injury caused him to transfer from USC to Georgia after the former wouldn’t medically clear him.

If Jones is truly healthy, he’s a heck of a pick here. Jones may be the best defensive player in the draft thanks to his combination of size and speed. He’s easily the best pass-rusher in the draft and is reminiscent of a Elvis Dumervil or Von Miller-type player. He won’t wow you in the run game, but he’ll make so many big plays that you can forgive his smaller contributions against the run.

What’s interesting about the pick here is that Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro was still on the board, as was Alabama offensive lineman D.J. Fluker. Safety isn’t a massive need, but taking a player like Vaccaro could turn around a historically bad defense in a hurry. Offensive tackle is a huge need with Jermon Bushrod gone, but Jones is arguably the better value here.

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