Deion Jones named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month

Deion Jones has been a huge upgrade for the Falcons at linebacker, and his success has been recognized with NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for September.

Jones has stepped into a starting role for the Falcons as a rookie and has excelled. So far this season, Jones has 20 solo tackles and five assists.

Against the Saints on Monday Night Football in Week 3, Jones intercepted Drew Brees and used his blazing speed to run it back 90 yards for a touchdown.

Jones flew under the radar in the months leading up to the draft. Scouts and GMs thought he was undersized for the linebacker position, and many had concerns about his experience. Jones has responded by performing well enough to be recognized as the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Month. Not bad.

He joins Matt Ryan and Julio Jones as the only Falcons players to ever earn Rookie of the Month honors, according to the NFL's director of football communications, Randall Liu.

Upgrading the middle linebacker position was a necessity for Atlanta, and Jones brings the perfect combination of speed and athleticism to flourish in Dan Quinn’s scheme. This honor is well deserved, and here’s hoping Jones continues to play at such a high level.