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FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, who made the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team last season, has a new role in just his second-season with the team.
He's the rare, second-year mentor.
Here are five things we learned from Jones on Tuesday:
- VOCAL CHORDS: Jones, the defense's signal caller, wants to get louder and more vocal on defense.
- WEIGHT ISSUE: The Falcons want Jones to keep his weight up. He weighed 222 pounds last year at his Pro Day. The Falcons want him to play between 230 and 235. He's at 230 now.
- VETS ARE GONE: Jones is trying to follow the lead of former Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Paul Worrilow, who were very vocal on defense. "Everybody could hear their calls," Jones said.
- IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Jones has been assigned Falcons draft pick and former LSU linebacker Duke Riley to mentor. "It's takes a village," Jones said.
- ON MANUEL: Jones hasn't noticed any differences between former defensive coordinator Richard Smith and new defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
THE FALCONS 2017 DRAFT
MUST READ PROFILE: Falcons top pick McKinley makes name for himself
2017 Falcons report card: Falcons earn a B-plus
NFC Champs add a pass rusher, quality depth
1st rounder: Meet defensive end Takkarist McKinley
3rd rounder: Meet linebacker Duke Riley
4th rounder: Meet offensive guard Sean Harlow
5th rounder: Meet defensive back Damontae Kazee
