Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Deion Jones rated sixth-best NFL sophomore by Pro Football Focus

Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a ball in the end zone in front of New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill (89) during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

Credit: Danny Karnik

Credit: Danny Karnik

Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) intercepts a ball in the end zone in front of New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill (89) during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)
By Alex Makrides
Feb 19, 2018

Falcons second-year linebacker Deion Jones was rated the sixth-best sophomore in the NFL by Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 89.6.

Jones anchored a young but improved Falcons defense in 2017, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl as an alternate.

>  Also: 2018 Falcons defense: Vote stay or go

He was the 52nd overall pick in the 2016 draft out of LSU, and has led the Falcons in total tackles in his two seasons. His 19 combined pass breakups and interceptions in the last two years in the most among NFL linebackers.

Pro Football Focus points out Jones’ exceptional pass coverage as a reason for his lofty status. Jones coverage grade of 94.8 is the second-best mark ever recorded by a linebacker.

“His startling speed and athleticism allow him to match up against virtually any player on the field, as evidenced by his passer rating of just 52.6 he allowed when covering wide receivers, which is by far the best mark among linebackers with at least 10 targets while covering wide receivers,” PFF’s Mark Chichester wrote.

About the Author

Alex Makrides
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. talks about the 22-6 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

2h ago

Falcons’ report card: Four rookies on defense came through with big plays

5 things we learned from Falcons’ win over Vikings

Atlanta's running backs and pass rushers get going against Minnesota on Sunday night, plus more notes from the Falcons' win Sunday night.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis. (Mike Stewart/AP)

Credit: AP

Falcons’ Michael Penix on Bijan Robinson: ‘He’s the best running back in this league’

2h ago

5 things we learned from Falcons’ win over Vikings

Parker Romo may have kicked his way off the unemployment line

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.