Rookies starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers are rare. In fact, according to ESPN, Jarvis Jones has an opportunity to be just the second rookie to fill a starting position for the Steelers in the past eight years. The only other rookie to take on starter duties was center Maurkice Pouncey.
Jones isn't the only rookie pushing for a starting position. Le'Veon Bell has an outside chance to start at running back for the Steelers, although he's not the favorite in that position battle.
According to the National Football Post, Jarvis Jones has a "decent" chance to knock Jason Worilds out of the starting OLB position. One of the reasons cited is Jones' smooth transition to the Steelers' system. Many Steelers outside linebackers played at defensive end in college. Because Jones played as a linebacker in college, the transition, especially in coverage, is far easier for him than other Steelers projects.
Regardless of his status as a starter, or lack thereof, Jones will see considerable playing time with the Steelers, and he should prove to be another solid Steelers linebacker. Many such players aren't as productive once they leave Dick LeBeau's defense.
The Steelers' defense was a strong unit last season, but they lacked the game changing big plays usually associated with a Steelers defense. Jones' ability to force turnovers likely played a key role in convincing the Steelers to take the linebacker, giving rise to high expectations from the young player. If he's able to win the starting job, he'll be on track with those expectations.
