PFF: LB Deion Jones joins top 50 players for 2018 list

Pro Football Focus continues its run of ranking the top 50 players heading into 2018, and the rising star of the Falcons defense checks in at spot 30.

LB Deion Jones has been a revelation ever since the Falcons took him in the second round of the 2016 draft. He’s got the rangey speed, athleticism, intelligence and toughness to man the middle of the Falcons’ defense alongside the best of them.

As you can see, he was PFF’s best linebacker in coverage last season, posting up a 94.8 grade, placing him above star players Bobby Wagner and Danny Trevathan. His coverage skills are out of this world, as seen in the header photo when he sealed that Saints Thursday night game.

He’s only in his third year in the league, and will no doubt be a Falcon for many years to come. His ascension has been one of the best storylines in Falcons memory, and LBs coach Jeff Ulbrich and crew have done a great job of tutoring him to get to where he is now.

By the time 2018 is over, he could be the best middle linebacker in all of football. He’s a terror in coverage, and stout against the run; the full package for the position.

He’s also a really nice dude, as evident when your humble Falcoholic scribe and one of the best middle linebackers in the league exchanged a good laugh and friendly handshake in a post-game interview where we were both pretty womped. He really is the all-around best person in the world, and is kind as heck.

We’ll see who else lands on PFF’s list. One might even hint that a certain icy individual might get brought up here soon.