Analysis of the 22: Buffalo Bills LB Deion Jones

The Buffalo Bills are actively working to build a roster to compete for the ultimate prize. Thanks to the NFL’s salary cap and various other factors, teams can’t build a roster comprised entirely of superstars. Every team in the league is built differently, but the key to any front office is finding affordable talent capable of exceeding expectations.

Deion Jones has been around the league as an outside linebacker since 2016 and the former Pro Bowler now finds himself with the Bills. Seeing quite a bit of success to start his career, Jones is not considered a household name these days. That’s not to say Jones isn’t worthy of the All-22 microscope. Let’s see what the Ex-Panther brings to Buffalo.

Play 1

Despite hitting the pile head-on, Deion Jones continued to move and found his way to the ball carrier. Showing awareness and effort, Jones got credit for the tackle.

Play 2

Jones played his fair share of zone with the Panthers, which should help him adjust to the Bills. Passing the first receiving target behind him, Jones was quick to react and help with the tackle.

Play 3

This play is similar to the one above, but this time Jones was quick enough to completely break up the pass. It wasn’t a win of raw speed, but one due to Jones seeing the play developing and cheating before the ball was even thrown.

Play 4

More agitation and reaction from Jones as he diagnosed the play to the rim and responded. It was by no means perfection as Jones was muscled out of the best possible lane, but it again shows a player who reads the field well.

Play 5

To end on a good note, here we have Jones called in as a passer. Jones didn’t get a chance to show off against an offensive lineman, but demonstrated that the running back blocking him was a mismatch. Quarterback CJ Beathard had no chance on this play.

The final straw

In Deion Jones’ rookie season, he placed third in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He was a Pro Bowler in his second season and had good production over the years. Jones’ athleticism was never considered a problem and that still seems to be the case in my eyes.

Noted by some draft analysis as a team-first player, the buzz seems to suggest a coachable player. Now an eight-year veteran, Jones seems to have learned a few tricks in the league, which is reflected in his play detection.

Dion Jones represents a great addition for the Buffalo Bills. He is a low-risk player who can help when needed. Head coach Sean McDermott appears to have a good track record of coaching players according to his plan and it would appear that Jones should fit in just fine. Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano and Taron Johnson are likely the “three” starting linebackers in the 4-3. nickel defense for the Bills, with Jones a respectable safety net at the moment.