Howard Jones: Steelers OLB Turning Hype And Skill Into Promise

Name: Howard Jones
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 238
Age: 24
College: Shepherd
Experience: Rookie
Position: OLB
Jersey Number: 34

Howard Jones turned quite a few heads in college. Considered a “wow” player, Jones does things many players dream of. After going undrafted in May, there is some young and experienced competition in his way. Training will tell a major story for Jones.

Jones is coming off an impressive career at the Shepherd. With 34 sacks and 46 starts Jones clearly was a player offenses had to double-team with extra linemen, tight ends and running backs. Standing at 6’4″, Jones will be an asset in the NFL of today in pass coverage. His height will help the Pittsburgh Steelers against tight ends like Dennis Pitta, Jordan Cameron,Tyler Eifert, etc. The fact that Jones was of the few Division 2 players invited to the NFL combine shows how he had impacted college football on a different level. Jones did not disappoint at the combine, running a 4.6 flat in the forty yard dash – above the average for an outside linebacker in speed. The Pittsburgh Steelers know a thing or two about developing undrafted linebackers. Ask former All-Pro James Harrision.

During his time at Shepherd University, Jones was asked to play on both sides of the ball, undergo major weight changes and play three different positions.  Recruited out of high school to play wide receiver, Jones saw time at defensive end and outside linebacker later where he broke school records for all-time sacks with 34.5.  Jones impressed at mini camp earlier this year to make it to training camp. His competition, though, comes in many different forms.

His main competition is at outside linebacker with Chris Carter and Jordan Zumwalt. Carter has under-achieved in his three seasons with the Steelers, but he has shown consistency on special teams.  Jones must show his skills on special teams if he is to make the roster. Carter only has two starts, so he doesn’t have a ton of game experience over Jones. The second man to be in Jones’ way to a roster spot is Zumwalt. The Pittsburgh Steelers spent a draft pick on Zumwalt in 2014, so they are invested in him. Zumwalt already has an understanding of the defense and can play multiple positions, though he too must earn his starting position.  Jones must display pass rush, special teams and Steelers toughness to make the roster opening day.  Jones’ journey to Pittsburgh will only be complete if he is able to display speed and explosiveness off the edge in training camp that unseats Carter or at least gains him a spot on the scout team.