FLOWERY BRANCH — Coach Dan Quinn has talked about his team becoming fast and physical on defense since he was hired by the Falcons.
In the second round Friday night, the Falcons took the swiftest linebacker in the draft when they selected LSU’s Deion Jones, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds during his Pro Day workout. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds at the scouting combine.
“I think I was more comfortable at LSU than at the combine,” Jones said. “I really focused on the technique of my running and locked in.
In the third round, the Falcons selected Stanford tight end Austin Hooper.
After trading back two spots in the second round, the Falcons tabbed Jones with the 21st pick (52nd overall). In the trade with the Houston Texans, the Falcons picked up a sixth-round pick (195th overall). The Falcons traded their sixth-round pick in the Andy Levitre deal, and they lost their fifth-round pick in the noise gate scandal.
For the eight year in a row, general manager Thomas Dimitroff, made a trade. This was the first time that he traded back.
“We stepped back a little bit,” Dimitroff told the team’s web site. “We felt comfortable that we were going to get him.”
Jones, of New Orleans, starred on special teams for LSU for three seasons before cracking the starting lineup last season. He went on to lead the Tigers in tackles with 100 and tackles for loss with 13.5.
“He adds tenacity to our defense,” Dimitroff said. “You see the theme that we are going for here. Obviously, that is what Dan Quinn is about. That is what this defense is about. The ability to cover. That’s going to be an important part of it. Ability to have range.”
Jones, who was a permanent captain, also showed that he could blitz, as he had five sacks and six quarterback hurries. He also had two interceptions.
Jones was named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the top linebacker in college football.
“A lot of work has paid off,” Jones said. “It’s a blessing for me and my family. We can’t wait to come to Atlanta.”
The Falcons held a private workout with Jones during the pre-draft process.
“My workout went pretty well,” Jones said. “I did a lot of drops. A lot of footwork drills over the bags and stuff like that. They just wanted to see me run fast and move my feet and get from point A to point B.”
The Falcons have struggled covering running backs and tight ends. Jones has done both, covering running backs and tight ends, at LSU man-to-man.
The Falcons have talked extensively about players who are able to play the hybrid linebacker and safety position. Jones has never played safety.
“I’m pretty sure with the right coaching and my hard work, anything can happen,” Jones said.
Jones played behind Kwon Alexander, who made the PFWA all-rookie team last season, before cracking the starting lineup last season.
“When I got my time, I made the most of it,” Jones said. “I think I’m really fresh. I don’t have some of the injuries that some of the guys have. I think I have a lot of mileage left on me.”
For the second season in a row, the Falcons selected a player from LSU in the second round. Last season, the Falcons selected cornerback Jalen Collins in the second round (42nd overall).
Jones had not yet talked to Collins.
The only start that Jones missed last season was against Syracuse after he was suspended for a half-game because he was flagged for targeting in the previous game against Auburn.
“The ref made a great call,” Jones said. “It was close and he had to call it. He was just doing his job.”
The Falcons selected Hooper with the 81st overall.
He was a Mackey Award finalist last season. He started all 14 games for the Cardinal and caught 34 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns.
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