NFL Mock Draft 2013: Raiders select LB Jarvis Jones

The Oakland Raiders had a multitude of issues in 2012, and one of the primary ones was an inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The Raiders were the second-worst team in the league in sacks, netting just 25 on the year.

CBS Sports' Rob Rang believes that will be enough of a reason for the Raiders to draft OLB Jarvis Jones from Georgia.

The Raiders finished the season 31st in the league in sacks with just 25. While Oakland has historically shied away from linebackers in the first round, general manager Reggie McKenzie's won't allow the team's past to dictate their future, especially with an impact pass rusher available. Talent isn't the concern with Jones, though health may be. He was a star at USC before transferring to Georgia and enjoying consecutive all-conference campaigns. A neck injury, however, led to his transfer from the Trojans three years ago. Though he's had no known problems since, it will require a close inspection at the Combine, should the redshirt junior elect to leave for the NFL a year early.

In the time since this mock draft was published, Jones has in fact declared for the draft. But as Rang notes, his neck injury will be put under a microscope at February's combine.