FLOWERY BRANCH — After trading back two spots, the Falcons selected LSU linebacker Deion Jones in the second round (52nd overall) of the NFL draft Friday.

The Falcons, who originally had the 50th pick in the draft, traded with the Houston Texans and picked up a sixth-round pick (195th) overall.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn has been on a mission this offseason to improve the speed on the defense. Jones, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash time at the NFL scouting combine, fits the bill.

Jones was LSU’s leading tackler last season and was a finalist for the Butkus Award.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (left) attempts a pass next to quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during minicamp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Camp, in Flowery Branch. (Jason Getz/TNS/AJC 2024)

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Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, seen here in a file photo from Nov. 14, 2024, is conducting a statewide audit of voter registrations targeting registrations at businesses and P.O. boxes for possible cancelation. (Jason Getz / AJC)

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