Atlanta Falcons: 7-round mock draft 2.0

Third Round – Pick 81 – Deion Jones – OLB

Deion Jones as far as scheme fit is perfect for the Atlanta Falcons and would be a steal in the first round. Jones is a freak athlete who ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the Combine and ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day. While that number could be fudged a little, he’s still one of the fastest outside linebackers in this year’s draft.

One of the best comparisons to Jones is first-round projection Darron Lee out of Ohio State. They are nearly identical players at just about every layer and here’s a good picture that proves it.

Why draft Lee in the first round when you can get a player that very well could be better in Jones? The Falcons would be able to use their first-round pick one someone else and take Jones in the third.

We spoke with Blogging Dirty staff reporter and draft expert Eric Robinson about Jones.

– An undersized but athletic linebacker with plenty of speed and sideline-to-sideline ability. Jones will provide the element of reliable pass coverage from the LB spot. A rare ability to flip his hips properly and mirror slot receivers.

Whats important to remember is that Jones is a projected 3-down linebacker which means he won’t have to take plays off. The Falcons have a huge hole at their weak side linebacker position and Jones would be able to step right in and take over the starting job.

Let’s hope the Falcons are able to nab Jones if they pass on Lee in the first round.