Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers must not repeat history with pick No. 17

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/13/23

The Steelers have certainly set themselves up well for the 2023 NFL Draft, but they must do their best to not let history repeat itself.

The last time Pittsburgh picked from No. 17 was in 2013 when the team selected Georgia LB Jarvis Jones, arguably one of the worst misses in franchise history.

The last time the Steelers had the 17th pick in the NFL Draft was in 2013.

They selected Georgia LB Jarvis Jones. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/6AQyjHq1xI
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) April 13, 2023

Jones played in the NFL for just four seasons, all with the Steelers. He finished with 128 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions in 50 games.

The Georgia product showed promise after posting 168 tackles and 28 sacks from 2011-2012 but his success just didn't translate to the NFL.

The Steelers have historically loved taking linebackers in the first round under Mike Tomlin. Given this fact, maybe Pittsburgh should go a route it hasn't since Tomlin took over as head coach in 2007.

Offensive tackle has been a popular mock draft choice for the Steelers in the first round. It would not only be the first time Pittsburgh used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle under Tomlin but also the first time since 1996, when the franchise took Jamain Stephens.

Only two first-round draft picks have been used on offensive linemen under Tomlin and both worked out (David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey). Maybe the Steelers will add a third player to the list by the end of the month.

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