Deion Jones

With one college start entering 2015, Jones was unranked by most NFL teams over the summer. That's not the case anymore. Jones exploded as a senior, leading the Tigers with 100 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He intercepted two passes and forced a fumble, was named LSU's Defensive MVP and one of five finalists for the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.

in our view

Jones continued turning heads at the Senior Bowl. Limited starting experience can be overlooked as he appeared in 51 games. His biggest issue will be a lack of bulk but many teams will value Jones' athleticism, reliable open-field tackling ability project well to NFL defenses relying on speed. Caoach Les Miles considered Jones one of the smartest players on the team. His NFL arrow is pointing north, projecting best as a weak-side linebacker in a traditional 4-3 alignment.

strengths

Numbers don't do his play justice but film conveys the whole story-- highly active and instinctive linebacker with the athletic range to be a three-down player. Above-average reactive athleticism. Reads run and attacks with explosive burst to beat blockers to the spot.

decisive, smooth strides to stick with tight ends in coverage, even lining up at cornerback on some snaps. agile and alert. surprising route recognition for a defender with limited playing time. accomplished special teams performer because of his speed and fearlessness. team captain in 2015.

WEAKNESSES

lacks ideal bulk for the position, looking more like a strong safety than an outside linebacker at his current weight. reliant on his burst and agility to run around would-be blockers, struggling to disengage if opponents are able to latch on.

Takes over-aggressive angles to the ball, flying upfield and too often getting trapped inside the mass of humanity at the line of scrimmage. Intercepted two passes in 2015 but dropped a handful of others. Not made for power schemes and some could ultimately use him at safety.

A top linebacker prospect from New Orleans

Displayed tremendous awareness and an ability to make tackles from sideline to sideline

Led Jesuit to one of the best seasons in school history as a senior, finishing 12-1 and reaching the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs

Named LSWA Class 5A Outstanding Defensive Player and first-team All-State in 2011 after posting 179 tackles, eight sacks, five forced fumbles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries

A member of the ESPN All-Louisiana Football Team

Ranked No. 129 in the 2012 Final Southeast Top 150

Named the New Orleans 5A Catholic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2011

Named to the New Orleans Times-Picayune 2012 Blue Chip list

Listed on the 2011 Jackson Clarion Herald Elite Football Team

Earned the New Orleans Times-Picayune Metro Defensive Player of the Year award

Rated as Louisiana’s No. 4 prospect by SuperPrep, No. 8 by 247sports.com, and No. 14 in the state by Rivals.com

ESPN.com rates him as the nation’s No. 24 outside linebacker while Rivals.com rates him at No. 31

Coached by Wayde Keiser.

Born Nov. 4, 1994 in New Orleans, La.

Parents are Cal and Tahonas Jones

Nicknamed “Debo”

Has a sister, Cassidy

Majoring in sport administration.

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
1.0	13.0	26.0	2.0