Atlanta Falcons’ Deion Jones is tops at middle linebacker
By Matt Siegman
In 2016 the Atlanta Falcons drafted linebacker Deion Jones with the 52nd overall selection in the second round of the NFL Draft. In just three seasons, Jones has become the best cover linebacker in the NFL.
Since selecting Deion the Atlanta Falcons have a 31-22 with him on the roster. Deion Jones has been incredible with the Falcons and is poised for a promising career with the team.
In his three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones has played 37 games tallying 299 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight interceptions with three of them going for touchdowns. Deion Jones missed ten games last year with a foot injury and the defense struggled with him on the sidelines.
During his rookie campaign Jones shocked everyone with his level of play. Many scouts were hesitant of Jones because he was an undersized linebacker at 222 pounds. Deion has proved all his critics wrong by playing 15 games during the 2016 season totaling 108 tackles and three interceptions with two of them going for touchdowns.
Deion Jones was a huge part of the deep postseason for the Atlanta Falcons during the 2016 season. He was able to play sideline to sideline and was incredible in pass coverage. Deion made the all rookie team in 2016. The most memorable play of his rookie year was the pick six against the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.
In 2017 the Atlanta Falcons defense improved greatly and so did Deion Jones. He played all sixteen games totaling 138 tackles and had three interceptions. Deion was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2017.
Entering his fourth season Deion Jones has established himself as the best middle linebacker in the NFL. During the 2017 season, Deion Jones had an elite season in pass coverage and established himself as the best cover LB in the entire league.
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When looking at other middle linebackers across the league the only two players that are on his level are Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner. After Deion, Kuechly, and Wagner there is a drop off in talent with CJ Mosley behind them.