Deion Jones

Deion Jones (born November 4, 1994) is an American football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Louisiana State University (LSU).

Deion Jones
Jones (No. 45) in 2016
No. 45 – Atlanta Falcons
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1994-11-04) November 4, 1994
New Orleans, Louisiana
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:222 lb (101 kg)
Career information
High school:Jesuit
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
College:LSU
NFL Draft:2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2019
Total tackles:409
Sacks:2.0
Forced fumbles:2
Pass deflections:32
Interceptions:9
Defensive touchdowns:4
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

High school career

Jones attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was a three-year starter at middle linebacker. As a senior, he had 179 tackles, eight sacks, and three interceptions, helping Jesuit to the LHSAA Class 5A quarterfinals, where the Blue Jays lost to Carencro.

Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Jones was ranked as the No. 31 outside linebacker prospect in the class of 2012.[1] Recruited by Corey Raymond, Jones originally committed to Nebraska in August 2011,[2] but changed his commitment to Louisiana State after receiving a late offer in December 2011.[3]

College career

Under head coach Les Miles, Jones was a backup his first three years at LSU, appearing in 39 games with one start.[4] As a freshman in 2012, he recorded 23 total tackles (three tackles-for-loss).[5] As a sophomore in 2013, he recorded 15 total tackles (one tackle-for-loss).[6] As a junior in 2014, he recorded 26 total tackles (3.5 tackles-for-loss), one pass defended, and one fumble recovery.[7] As a senior in 2015, he became a starter for the first time.[8] In his final collegiate season, he recorded 100 total tackles (13.5 tackles-for-loss), five sacks, two interceptions, one pick-six, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[9] He was a finalist for the Butkus Award.[10]

Professional career

On December 8, 2015, it was announced that Jones had accepted his invitation to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl.[11] On January 30, 2016, Jones played in the Reese's Senior Bowl and recorded six combined tackles as part of Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Gus Bradley's South team that defeated the North 27–16.[12] He was limited to 26 snaps, but was able to perform well enough throughout the week to impress scouts and coaches.[13] Jones was one of 34 collegiate linebackers to attend the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana and completed most of the drills, but opted to skip the three-cone drill, short shuttle, and bench press. Jones finished fourth among all participating linebackers in the 40-yard dash, eighth in the vertical jump, and finished tenth in the broad jump.[14]

On March 14, 2016, Jones attended LSU's pro day and chose to perform positional drills and all of the combine drills, but opted to stand on his broad jump performance. All together, he performed the 40-yard dash (4.39s), 20-yard dash (2.52s), 10-yard dash (1.52s), bench press (16 reps), vertical jump (35½"), short shuttle (4.26s), and three-cone drill (7.12s). He had an excellent overall performance in the combine drills and positional drills and his 40-yard dash (4.39s) would've finished first among all linebackers at the NFL combine. His time in the 40 was adjusted to an official time of 4.40s and dramatically increased his draft stock and profile. His pro day performance was described as "off the charts" by NFL analyst Gil Brandt.[15] He attended private workouts and visits with multiple teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers.[16][17][18][19] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Jones was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was able to raise his draft stock with his performances throughout the draft process and went from a projected third or fourth round pick to an all but guaranteed second rounder.[20][21] He was ranked the sixth best outside linebacker prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, was ranked the sixth best linebacker in the draft by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and was ranked the ninth best linebacker by Sports Illustrated.[22][23][24]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand size 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0 7⁄8 in
(1.85 m)		 222 lb
(101 kg)		 32 3⁄8 in
(0.82 m)		 9 1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		 4.38 s 1.52 s 2.52 s 4.26 s 7.13 s 35 1⁄2 in
(0.90 m)		 10 ft 0 in
(3.05 m)		 16 reps
All values from NFL Combine/LSU's Pro Day[15][25]

The Atlanta Falcons selected Jones in the second round (52nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He was the eighth linebacker selected in 2016 and was the first of two linebackers the Falcons selected in 2016, along with fourth round pick (115th overall) De'Vondre Campbell. Jones was also reunited with LSU teammate Jalen Collins.[26][27] The Falcons decided to draft Jones after linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich scouted him at the combine. Ulbrich and head coach Dan Quinn thought Jones was an ideal candidate to play middle linebacker with his speed and pass coverage ability.[28]

2016 season: Rookie year

On May 5, 2016, the Falcons signed Jones to a four-year, $4.54 million contract that includes $2.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.50 million.[29]

Throughout training camp, Jones competed against veteran Paul Worrilow for the job as the starting middle linebacker. Jones credits Worrilow for guiding him through the beginning of his career and stated Worrilow acted as a mentor even though Jones was drafted with the intent of eventually replacing him.[30] Head coach Dan Quinn named Jones the starting middle linebacker to start the regular season.[31]

Jones made his NFL debut and first NFL start in the season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and recorded six combined tackles in a 31–24 loss. On September 26, 2016, Jones collected nine combined tackles, broke up two passes, and returned his first NFL interception for a 90-yard touchdown during a 45–32 road victory against the New Orleans Saints.[32] His interception came in the fourth quarter off a pass attempt by Drew Brees and marked his first NFL touchdown.[33] Jones was inactive for the Falcons' Week 5 victory at the Denver Broncos, after sustaining an ankle injury the previous week.[34] During Week 14, he made five combined tackles, deflected two passes, and returned an interception by Jared Goff for a 33-yard touchdown during a 42–14 road victory against the Los Angeles Rams.[35] Two weeks later, Jones recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles and broke up a pass during a 33–16 road victory against the Carolina Panthers.

Jones finished his rookie year with 108 combined tackles (75 solo), 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, and two touchdowns in 15 games and 13 starts.[36] Pro Football Focus gave Jones an overall grade of 83.0 for 2016, ranking him 20th among all off-the-ball linebackers in overall grades.[37]

The Falcons finished atop in the NFC South with an 11-5 record and received a first-round bye in the playoffs. On January 14, 2017, Jones started his first NFL playoff game and made five combined tackles, broke up a pass, and intercepted Russell Wilson as they defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round.[38] After defeating the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship, the Falcons went on to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. On February 5, 2017, Jones recorded nine combined tackles and a forced fumble off of running back LeGarrette Blount during the Falcons' 28–34 overtime loss.[39]

2017 season

Jones entered training camp slated as the starting middle linebacker after Paul Worrilow departed for the Detroit Lions in free agency.

During Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills, Jones recorded eight combined tackles and made his first NFL sack on Tyrod Taylor during a 23–17 loss.[40] In Week 14, Jones recorded a season-high 13 combined tackles, broke up two passes, and intercepted Drew Brees in the end zone with less than 90 seconds left, sealing a 20–17 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football. His performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[41][42] On December 24, 2017, Jones recorded ten combined tackles, defended a pass, and intercepted a pass by Drew Brees in a 23–13 road loss against the Saints.

Jones led the team with 138 combined tackles (91 solo) in 2017 and also recorded ten pass deflections, three interceptions, and a sack in 16 games and starts.[38] The Falcons finished third in the NFC South with a 10-6 record and received a wild card playoff berth. On January 6, 2018, Jones recorded ten combined tackles and defended a pass in a 26–13 road victory against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wildcard game. They were eliminated from the playoffs the following week after losing 15–10 to the eventual Super Bowl LII Champions the Philadelphia Eagles. On January 16, 2018, Jones was named to his first Pro Bowl as a replacement for injured Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 89.6 and he ranked sixth amongst all qualifying linebackers in 2017.[43]

2018 season

During the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jones recorded his first interception of the season. On September 11, 2018, Jones was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.[44] He was activated off injured reserve on November 13, 2018.[45] In Week 15, in a 40-14 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, Jones recorded his second interception, a 41-yard pick-six.

Jones finished the 2018 season with 53 combined tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and two interceptions in six games and starts.

2019 season

On July 17, 2019, Jones signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension with the Falcons with $34 million guaranteed.[46]

In the regular season-finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jones recorded his first and only interception of the season off a pass thrown by Jameis Winston and returned it for a 27-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime to secure a 28–22 road victory.[47] Jones was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[48] With the interception return, he broke the Falcons franchise record for most interceptions returned for a touchdown, previously held by Deion Sanders and Kevin Mathis.[49]

NFL statistics
Legend
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCombSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsTD
2016ATL 151310675310.011316555.090T21000
2017ATL 161613891471.01034214.04100000
2018ATL 665334191.0626130.54111000
2019ATL 161611068420.0512727.027T10150
Career53514072681392.032826833.590T42150

Postseason
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCombSoloAstSckPDIntYdsAvgLngTDFFFRYdsTD
2016ATL 33201550.01012828.02801000
2017ATL 2213940.05000.0000000
Career55332490.01512828.02801000

Personal life

Jones' father named him after Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders. He began being known as "War Daddy" during his stint at LSU.[30] Jones' nickname "Debo" was given to him by his father and is a portmanteau of Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson.

References
  1. "Rivals.com". sports.yahoo.com.
  2. Strom, Mike (August 9, 2011). "Jesuit linebacker Deion Jones commits to play football at Nebraska". The Times-Picayune.
  3. "Jesuit LB Deion Jones drops Nebraska, commits to LSU".
  4. rdellenger@theadvocate.com, Ross Dellenger. "LSU linebackers Duke Riley, Deion Jones, Donnie Alexander take the special teams route to big roles".
  5. "Deion Jones 2012 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  6. "Deion Jones 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  7. "Deion Jones 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  8. "LSU senior Deion Jones took a slow path, but he's where he wants to be".
  9. "Deion Jones 2015 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  10. "Patience paid off for LSU senior Deion Jones, a Butkus Award finalist".
  11. Criswell, Josh. "Three LSU football players headed to the Senior Bowl". deathvalleyvoice.com. Retrieved February 21, 2018.| date=December 9, 2015}
  12. Dellinger, Ross (February 5, 2016). "Deion Jones is hearing the 'tiny guy's anthem,' but that's not slowing him down". theadvocate.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  13. Mosqueda, Justis (February 5, 2016). "Breaking Down the Senior Bowl's Biggest Risers". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  14. Brady, James (February 28, 2016). "NFL Combine results 2016: Darron Lee impresses across all linebacker drills". SBnation.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  15. Brandt, Gil (March 15, 2016). "Deion Jones has 'off the charts' workout at LSU's pro day". NFL.com. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  16. Gowton, Brandon Lee (March 29, 2016). "2016 NFL Draft: LSU linebacker who ran 4.3 40-yard dash will visit the Eagles". bleedinggreennation.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  17. Jerickson (April 11, 2016). "UCLA linebacker Myles Jack works out for Saints, LSU linebacker Deion Jones visits". theadvocate.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  18. Wilson, Josh (March 29, 2016). "Colts to visit with LSU linebacker Deion Jones". stampedeblue.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  19. Fucillo, David (March 29, 2016). "Full list of 49ers visits, workouts prior to 2016 NFL Draft". ninersnation.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  20. Reuter, Chad (March 11, 2016). "Four-round mock 4.0: Cowboys land Joey Bosa, Derrick Henry". NFL.com. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
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  22. "Deion Jones, DS #6 OLB, LSU". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
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  24. Mike Mayock (April 25, 2016). "Mayock's Top 100 Draft Prospect Rankings". NFL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  25. "2016 NFL Draft Profile: Deion Jones". NFL.com.
  26. "Falcons select Deion Jones in the second round". www.ajc.com. October 24, 2015. Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  27. "Falcons First Team to Sign Entire Draft Class". AtlantaFalcons.com. May 5, 2016. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017.
  28. "The Ideal Modern Linebacker". si.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  29. "Spotrac.com: Deion Jones contract". spotrac.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  30. Hummer, Steve (August 13, 2016). "Worrilow and the rookie: A timeless training camp tale". myajc.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  31. Choate, Dave (September 3, 2016). "The Falcons 53 man roster and projected depth chart after final cuts". thefalcoholic.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  32. "NFL Game Center: Week 3-2016: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints". NFL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  33. McClure, Vaughn. 'Dream come true' for New Orleans native Deion Jones in Superdome debut. ESPN.com. September 27, 2016. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  34. McClure, Von (October 7, 2016). "Jones (ankle) ruled out f". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  35. "Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams - December 11th, 2016". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  36. "Deion Jones 2016 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  37. Weaver, Tim (May 27, 2017). "Deion Jones named to Pro Football Focus all-under 25 team". thefalconswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
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  40. "NFL Game Center: Week 4-2017: Buffalo Bills @ Atlanta Falcons". NFL.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  41. Maya, Adam (December 13, 2017). "Ben Roethlisberger among NFL Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  42. "New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons - December 7th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 29, 2017.
  43. "Deion Jones bio". Profootballfocus.com. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  44. McFadden, Will (September 11, 2018). "Falcons place Deion Jones on injured reserve". AtlantaFalcons.com.
  45. McFadden, Will (November 13, 2018). "Falcons activate Deion Jones from IR, waive Rees Odhiambo". AtlantaFalcons.com.
  46. Gordon, Grant (July 17, 2019). "Falcons sign Deion Jones to four-year, $57M extension". NFL.com. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  47. "Jones' INT return in OT lifts Falcons over Bucs 28-22". www.espn.com. Associated Press. December 29, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
  48. "Derrick Henry, Boston Scott among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
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