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Deion Jones

Deion Jones Player Profile

Summary

Deion “Debo” Jones was selected in the 2nd round (52nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta Falcons He played college football at LSU, where as a senior (2015) he led the Tigers with 100 tackles, posted 13.5 tackles for loss, and earned First-Team All-SEC consideration and Butkus Award finalist status. LSU Over his NFL career, Jones has been a standout linebacker—known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, coverage instincts, and tackling production. According to Pro-Football-Reference, he has totaled 731+ career tackles, 13 interceptions, and 12 sacks in his career. Pro Football Reference He’s been selected to at least one Pro Bowl (2017) and is widely respected for his work ethic, football intelligence, and leadership. NFL

Strengths

  • Elite sideline-to-sideline speed / range: Jones is very fast for a linebacker, allowing him to cover ground quickly, flow to the ball, and close on plays. Vikings

  • Tackling productivity: He consistently racks up high tackle numbers, both in college (100 in his senior year) LSU and in the NFL. Pro Football Reference

  • Versatility in coverage: Strong in zone coverage with the ability to drop back, read routes, and make plays on the ball. And The Valley Shook

  • Explosiveness / athleticism: At the NFL Combine, he demonstrated good explosiveness and agility for a linebacker. Vikings

  • Leader and character: As a team captain at LSU and a high-effort player, Jones brings strong leadership and emotional intensity to the defense. Jesuit High School of New Orleans

  • Run-defense aggressiveness: He plays downhill, attacks gaps, and uses his speed to blow up running plays. And The Valley Shook

Weaknesses

  • Size limitations / physicality: At around 6′1″ and 222 lbs, he can be at a disadvantage against bigger, more physical runners or blockers. Vikings

  • Gap discipline concerns: Early evaluations noted that he could be too aggressive and “freelance,” sometimes leaving his responsibilities to make plays. And The Valley Shook

  • Tackling consistency under contact: While very productive, there have been moments where he misses or fails to wrap up thoroughly, particularly against NFL-sized backs.

  • Injury risk: Given his speed-first style and lighter frame, durability over a long NFL career could be a concern.

  • Pass-rush limitations: Not primarily a blitzer; while he can generate pressure, pass-rush technique and power are not his strongest traits.

Fit & Outlook

Deion Jones is best suited for a defense that values speed, coverage ability, and downhill flow — particularly in a 4-3 scheme as a WILL or MIKE linebacker, or even in some sub-package 3-4 fronts. His athleticism and range make him a natural fit in zone-heavy defenses or those that ask linebackers to drop into coverage or spy backs and TEs.

Looking ahead, Jones projects as a long-term starter if he stays healthy. His production, instincts, and leadership give him a high floor, while his athletic traits provide an exciting ceiling. As he ages, he may lean more on his experience and coverage savvy rather than pure explosion, but he should continue to be a vital piece in any defense. With the right coaching and scheme, he can remain impactful for years — especially in roles that play to his strengths as a playmaker rather than a pure space-eater.