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Falcons trade back, grab LB Deion Jones in 2nd round

Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Atlanta Falcons selected linebacker Deion Jones out of LSU in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday.

The Falcons traded down two spots from their initial draft slot, No. 50 overall, and received the Houston Texans' sixth-round pick in return.

It seems they got their man anyhow. Jones, the first LSU player off the board, brings speed and plenty of it to the Falcons. Jones ran a ridiculous 4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day, though managed just 4.59 at the scouting combine.

Deion Jones Bio

Position: LB
School: LSU
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 227 lbs.

Strengths

  • Freakishly athletic linebacker that uses incredible speed across the field.
  • Also a standout performer on special teams.
  • Excellent pass defender, using top-notch athleticism to cover running backs or tight ends.
  • Fits well in team scheme, and brings plenty of power to contact.
  • Posted gaudy numbers in college during his one season as starter.

Weaknesses

  • Fairly inexperienced after starting just one season at LSU.
  • Lacks weight for the linebacker position, can be overpowered at the line.
  • Prone to miss tackles, needs to work on fundamentals in that area.

Combine Results

Event Results
40-yd Dash 4.59 sec
Bench Press 18 reps (Pro Day)
Vertical Jump 33.0 inches
Broad Jump 120.0 inches
3-Cone Drill 7.13 sec (Pro Day)
20-yd Shuttle 4.26 sec (Pro Day)

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