At this time last year, Deion Jones had made one start in his LSU career.

On Friday, he was the first Tigers player chosen in the NFL draft.

In fact, Jones was the only LSU player drafted in the first three rounds. Jones was picked by the Atlanta Falcons, who traded down two spots, and picked him in the second round.

“I lot of stress was taken off my shoulders after being drafted,” said Jones, who was the No. 21 pick of the second round and the No. 52 pick of the entire draft. “I didn’t know the Falcons had me that high on their board.

“I am a passionate player and a big-time competitor. I am going to give the Falcons everything I have on the field. I have some versatility. I want to grow in my knowledge of the game.”

Jones projects as a weakside linebacker in Atlanta’s 4-3 defense. Last year, the Falcons selected LSU cornerback Jalen Collins in the second round.

“Deion adds tenacity to our defense,” Atlanta General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “You see the theme that we are going for here. Obviously, that is what (Falcons head coach) Dan Quinn is all about. That is what this defense is about – the ability to cover and the ability to have range.

“Deion scrapes very well. He really has a nice feel to scrape inside, step up and make plays. All in all, we think he’s just another well-rounded defensive player.”

After playing primarily on special teams in his first three seasons at LSU, Jones started at weakside line as a senior. He led the Tigers with 100 tackles, including 13½ behind the line of scrimmage. He had five sacks and six quarterback-hurries. Jones intercepted two passes and broke up three passes.

“I didn’t play as much as I wanted to my first three years,” Jones said. “I doubted myself. I had a lot to prove to myself last year. I’m fast and physical and I have a passion for the game.”

Three of Jones’ teammates were not picked in the third round as many analysts had projected. Cornerback Jalen Mills and offensive linemen Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins are still on the board when the draft resumes with the fourth round Saturday morning.

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