The Steelers have two players that could make a solid choice as the teams rookie of the season for 2013 – linebacker Jarvis Jones and running back Le’Veon Bell.
Jones, the teams first-round pick, made some splash plays in the preseason, but frankly during the season has shown a few moments of promise, but has yet to be the star on defense they felt they were drafting.
DC Dick LeBeau said Thursday that he’s pleased with Jones, and that he feels that he’s making progress to be a very good LB going forward.
“I’m very pleased with his progress,” LeBeau said.
“His out-of-position arrows have diminished. He almost is never in the wrong place now. I think the more comfortable he gets, I think you’re going to see that this guy is going to be a really good football player.”
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Jones said he will use this offseason to get bigger as well as better to be a long-term better player.
Jones has 32 tackles this season, one sack and three passes defensed.
As for Bell, he will get more run for the ROY due to the position he plays, and the amount of TV time as well with being a running back.
He’s come on the past few weeks, rushing for 191 yards and two TD’s over the last three weeks. He ran hard vs the Ravens on Thanksgiving, maybe being the best offensive player on the field.
That night, before suffering a concussion, he ran for 73 yards on 16 carries (4.6 yards per carry) with 7 catches for 63 yards.
Bell started slow due to injuries, and the team had to lean on Issac Redmen, Jonathan Dwyer and Felix Jones to carry the weak Steelers rushing load.
The Steelers have invested a lot in Bell, and think that long term he will be the man to carry the load for the Steelers run game.
He has yet to have a career-game, yet to go over 100 yards in a single game, but has shown enough to where most will give him the nod as the ROY for the Black and Gold.
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Daveyt
December 19, 2013 at 6:33 pm
What about Vince Williams? Has contributed more than Jones locking down that ILB spot without a solid 3-4 NT. Bell has run hard and granted behind a makeshift line but would have liked to see at least one 100yd game or be able to run out a 4th qt.
ben spiridigliozzi
December 19, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Le’Veon Bell has done a very good job this year given what he has to work with on the O line. I like his patience. Jarvis Jones will be a superstar, he needs to add more muscle to set the edge and really get familiar with the defense. Both are bound for Steeler glory.
Blkandgold4life
December 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm
Really?? Bell is no doubt
Dave B.
December 20, 2013 at 6:52 am
Has anyone taken a really close look at Jarvis Jones ? He looks like a safety playing outside linebacker . Dont get me wrong , this kid has a ton of potential and at the time I liked the pick . With that being said , Jones needs a full off season in an NFL weight room . If hes going to take on offensive tackles weighing 300lbs or more he must bulk up and get stronger . He has a chance to be great , but getting bigger an stronger has to come first .
Dan S.
December 20, 2013 at 10:20 am
The bottom line is we needed more production out of this rookie class as a whole ; however, Vince Williams should absolutely be in this conversation. In my humble opinion he should be the front runner, based upon his ability to show improvement each week, and be as consistent performer as this class has to offer. We aren’t talking about a repeat of the 08 draft though, so I am optimistic about what the future holds. Go Steelers!
Milliken Steeler
December 20, 2013 at 9:12 pm
I think Bell wins the Steeler Rookie of the year, People forget when comparing his stats to Lacys that he missed 4 games. He was a great pick regardless and only get better,
I think Vince edges out Jarvis of second place and is getting better every week. That being said, so is Jarvis. He is starting to get leverage and the pressure is improving as the film showed for last weeks game.
Im actually excited about our rookies. The best is yet to come from Wheaton and the Shark.