Deion Jones broke up more passes than any other linebacker in the NFL

There was no defensive rookie outside of Joey Bosa that drew as much buzz as Deion Jones last year, and with good reason. Jones was a revelation as a #fast and #physical linebacker for Dan Quinn’s emerging defense, a player who got gobs of tackles, made some highlight reel interceptions, and just generally wreaked havoc whenever he was near the football.

The following stat is little surprise, then.

We’ve spent a lot of time and digital ink talking about the additions of Dontari Poe and Jack Crawford, the return to health of Desmond Trufant and Derrick Shelby, and the additions of promising rookies Takk McKinley and Duke Riley. We’ve spent comparatively little time talking about the second year players who could help push this unit into the stratosphere, with Keanu Neal, Jones, and De’Vondre Campbell figuring to be key players for Atlanta.

It’s not a stretch to suggest that Jones, by virtue of his raw ability, speed, and room to improve, might wind up being the best of all of them. If he can continue to be a force against opposing quarterbacks, it’s a virtual lock.