2017
In 16 games, tallied a career-best 138 tackles (91 solo), three interceptions, one sack, six tackles for loss, and nine passes defensed. Named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing an injured Luke Kuechly. Made a playoff-high 10 stops (seven solo) with one tackle for loss and one pass defense in Atlanta’s Wild-Card win over the Los Angeles Rams. Intercepted Drew Brees in the end zone to seal Atlanta’s, 20-17, Week 14 win over New Orleans.
2017
In 16 games, tallied a career-best 138 tackles (91 solo), three interceptions, one sack, six tackles for loss, and nine passes defensed. Named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing an injured Luke Kuechly. Made a playoff-high 10 stops (seven solo) with one tackle for loss and one pass defense in Atlanta’s Wild-Card win over the Los Angeles Rams. Intercepted Drew Brees in the end zone to seal Atlanta’s, 20-17, Week 14 win over New Orleans.
CAREER
In two seasons, has played in 31 games with 29 starts while totaling 244 tackles (159 solo) with one sack, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two passes defensed. Played in 15 games with 13 starts. Tied for the team lead with 106 total tackles (75 solo). Has also added three interceptions, two touchdowns, two quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 11 passes defensed. Started at linebacker in his NFL debut against Tampa Bay (9/11/16). Posted six tackles (five solo) with one quarterback hit. Totaled nine tackles, one interception and two passes defensed at New Orleans (9/26/16). Lifted the Falcons to victory with a 90-yard pick six in the third quarter. His interception return is tied for the third longest in franchise history with Ken Reaves and trails only Tom Pridemore (101), Chevis Jackson (95). Earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month in September. Recorded 25 total tackles, which led all rookies in that category during the month. Grabbed his third interception of the season and second touchdown in Atlanta’s 42-14 win over Los Angeles (12/11/16). The rookie from LSU intercepted Jared Goff and returned the pick 33 yards for a score. With the INT, Jones became just the fourth Falcon - first Falcons rookie - to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single season. Sealed Atlanta’s Divisional Round playoff win when he intercepted a Russell Wilson pass with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Added five tackles and one tackle for loss.
COLLEGE
Played in 51 games with 12 starts, with 11 of those starts coming last season during his senior year for the Tigers. Jones made the most of his senior season by leading LSU in tackles with 100. He recorded a total of 165 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks during his career in Baton Rouge. Earned recognition as a permanent team captain for the 2015 season in a post-season vote by the team. Was also named LSU’s defensive MVP for 2015, along with defensive back Jamal Adams. Played in all 12 games with 11 starts as a senior in 2015. Named one of five finalists for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the top linebacker in college football. Led Tigers with 100 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. Also added 5.0 sacks, six QB hurries and a pair of interceptions. Posted double-digit tackles in six of LSU’s 12 games, including a career-best 14 stops against Ole Miss. Saw action in all 13 games and started at Will linebacker in place of Kwon Alexander versus Louisiana Monroe during his junior season in 2014. Tallied 27 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss. His eight special teams tackles ranked third on the team. Played in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2013. Continued to make his mark as a hard-hitting player on kickoff coverage. Tallied 15 total tackles. Saw action in 13 games as a true freshman. Made an impact on kickoff coverage and finished the year with 23 tackles, most of which came on special teams. Also added three tackles for loss and recovered a fumble.
PERSONAL
Led Jesuit High School 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. Named the New Orleans 5A Catholic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Also named to the New Orleans Times-Picayune 2012 Blue Chip list and was listed on the 2011 Jackson Clarion Herald Elite Football Team in addition to earning the New Orleans Times-Picayune Metro Defensive Player of the Year award. Parents are Cal and Tahonas Jones. Nicknamed “Debo”. Has a sister, Cassidy. Majored in sport administration.
