Atlanta Falcons: Deion Jones is still an elite linebacker

There is a lot of unknowns when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons defense, but one that is not among the worries? The starting linebackers.

The Atlanta Falcons trio of linebackers is in contention for one of the best groups in the NFL. They are all quick, fast, and they can cover with the best of them.

You have Foyesade Oluokun, who no doubt had the best season of his career, and with him going into a contract year he should only play better.

Then you have the upcoming superstar in Mykal Walker. He was underappreciated last year. Pro Football Focus gave Walker an elite 90.7 coverage grade. That ranked as the fourth-best in the entire NFL, however, he did not have the number of snaps as most players. Still extremely impressive for a rookie.

Among the best of the bunch is Deion Jones. Many fans think that his play has dropped off the past couple of seasons for the Atlanta Falcons. While he may not have played like his spectacular 2017 season, he still has been a great piece for the defense.

Pro Football Focus still considers the Atlanta Falcons linebacker as one of the best in the game, even better than some players fans would not expect.

Pro Football Focus has some of the most in-depth chartings in the industry, and to see the Atlanta Falcons linebacker near the top, should be a bright spot for the fans.

In a recent article, they ranked Deion Jones as the seventh-best linebacker in the NFL.

As they do say it was still a down year for him according to the high bar he has set, it is still respectable nonetheless.

Many people say that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Devin White is one of the best in the game. He was ranked 25th. Being on a great team has a big effect on how the public views you. White is not nearly the player that Deion Jones is, but yet he gets a bigger spotlight.

The same can be said about numerous other guys, Deion Jones needs more respect.

Here is what PFF writer Sam Monson had to say about Debo:

"Deion Jones is another player with elite coverage skills in his arsenal, but the past few seasons have shown just how hard it is to maintain that level of play at the linebacker position. He posted a 91.7 PFF coverage grade in 2017 and was above 80.0 again in 2019, but he surrendered four touchdowns in coverage in 2020 on his way to the worst season of his career. If Jones bounces back next season, he will belong this high in the rankings."

As he says, he did not have the best season of his career, but then again, what Atlanta Falcons defender did?

It certainly was not a good year for the team and defense, but to see Deion Jones still in the top ten is a great sight. He should have a better season with a better scheme in this upcoming season.

Having pieces like Deion Jones, Mykal Walker, Foye Oluokun, A.J. Terrell, and Grady Jarrett provides a good foundation for the Falcons defense.

They just need to put it all together.