Mel Kiper's 2013 NFL mock draft has Lions taking Jarvis Jones

ESPN's Mel Kiper has released his first 2013 NFL mock draft. In it, he has the Detroit Lions going with Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones. This is one defensive player who hasn't been projected to go to the Lions in a ton of mock drafts, but Kiper likes the idea of the pick because Jones is "an exceptional pass-rusher." Kiper admits that Jones isn't a perfect fit for the 4-3, but he sees him as a good fit for a team that needs a boost with its pass rush.

I can't disagree with the thinking behind the pick. Jones is a solid pass-rusher, and the Lions could always use more of them. However, I'm a bit wary of the idea of the Lions going with Jones because he has spinal stenosis. USC refused to clear him to play, which is why he ended up at Georgia. Maybe it's something that won't affect him in the long run, but can the Lions really afford to take a risk on the No. 5 overall selection given their bad luck with picks like this in the past?

Injury concerns aside, one reason why Kiper has the Lions going with Jones is because he has Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore going second to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner going fourth overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. This is the first time I've seen both of these players projected to go so high in the same mock draft. If that were to happen, the Lions would still have a shot at Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner, but Kiper prefers Jones for Detroit in this scenario.

In your mind, is the risk of future health concerns worth the potential of a big-time pass-rusher for the Lions when it comes to Jones?

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