Deion Jones

Jones is a time-tested LB2 with LB1 upside, as the speedy playmaker posts standout reliable tackle production to go with occasional splash plays and very rarely leaves the field when healthy. Although he isn't a likely blitz contributor with just two career sacks, he has 409 tackles while playing 3,266 defensive snaps in his career, which projects to about 125 tackles per 1,000 snaps. Given Jones' athleticism and coverage prowess, it's reasonable to project steady interception production to supplement the tackle numbers. Although he had only one interception last year, the fact that he picked off eight passes on the prior 2,301 snaps means he's a good candidate to go on a spree sometime soon. That's worth keeping in mind, because Jones has otherwise demonstrated the reliable ability to score touchdowns - four on 10 career turnovers.

Jones would have played safety or even cornerback in the '90s, but in the modern era you want as much speed as possible to offset the constantly growing aerial threat. With 4.4 speed and a natural linebacker acumen, Jones can match anyone as far as tackle and coverage threats go at linebacker. He hasn't been much of a blitzer with two sacks in 37 games, but his tackle and interception rates per 1,000 snaps are 130 and 3.5, respectively. Jones' coverage burden will remain enormous in a shootout-prone division, and that perfectly suits his IDP interests.

With an increasing emphasis on speed and passing in the NFL, hyper-athletic linebackers have become the new standard, and few players fit that prototype as well as Jones. As much as he might look like a safety from the 90s at 6-1, 222, Jones' sharp instincts and 4.4 speed have his career off to a fast start in Atlanta, with 246 tackles in his first 31 games. His two touchdowns from his rookie season are a reminder of the playmaking threat his speed poses, too. Jones' three-down role is assured, so what we've seen the last two years should more or less be his floor.

Jones was an unconventional second-round pick out of LSU last year after playing in the 220-pound range in college, but he immediately thrived in Atlanta, showing that small, fast linebackers have a clear place in this passing-obsessed era of the NFL. Jones needed no time to transition his collegiate playmaking talent to the Falcons, as his 4.4 speed allowed him to return two of his three interceptions for touchdowns last season. Jones did not even play 900 snaps last year, so he has plenty of room for growth.

The undersized Jones won't step into a three down role from the start, but he should help improve Atlanta's coverage of opposing tight ends. He could earn a more prominent role with an impressive preseason or if injuries strike, but for now he's likely pegged for rotational work, a modest tackle total and hopefully a couple of forced fumbles or interceptions.