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Deion Jones set to have a breakout 2017 season

Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who trys to make the tackle, in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to seal a 36-20 victory in a NFL football NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Falcons linebacker Deion Jones intercepts Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who trys to make the tackle, in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to seal a 36-20 victory in a NFL football NFC divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

By Juliakate E Culpepper

July 24, 2017

After a strong rookie season, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones could become even more of a force in 2017.

NFL.com analyst Willie McGinest listed Jones among six other NFL linebackers who are set to have break out season in 2017. While Jones was still learning the middle linebacker position in 2016, McGinest wrote Jones' rookie season provided a glimpse of just how powerful he can become with more experience.

Last season, Jones recorded 108 tackles, three interceptions with two returned for touchdowns, one forced fumble and defended 11 passes.

"(Coach Dan) Quinn keeps his linebackers active, asking a lot of them on the field," McGinest wrote. "Jones is athletic, operates well in space and makes big plays. His numbers are going to improve in Year 2 because he knows the defense better understands his role more clearly."

McGinest's full list of linebackers to have breakout seasons this season can be read below and on NFL.com:

OLB Shane Ray, Denver Broncos
MLB Deion Jones, Atlanta Falcons
ILB Ryan Shazier/OLB Bud Depree, Pittsburgh Steelers
MLB Kwon Alexander, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ILB CJ Mosley, Baltimore Ravens
OLB Reuben Foster, San Francisco 49ers

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Juliakate E Culpepper

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