Yes, Jones represents a depth signing by the Bills. But how deep?
The Buffalo Bills are busily working toward putting together a roster to compete for the ultimate prize. Thanks to the NFL salary cap and various other factors, teams can’t put together a roster of only superstars. Each roster in the league is built differently, but key to any front office is finding affordable talent that can perform above expectations.
Deion Jones has been kicking 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 doesn’t mean Jones isn’t worthy of the All-22 microscope. Let’s see what the Ex-Panther brings to Buffalo.
Play 1
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Despite hitting the pile head on, Deion Jones kept churning and found his way to the ball carrier. Showing off awareness and effort, Jones got the credit for the tackle.
Play 2
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Jones played his fair share of zone with the Panthers, which should help him be a familiar fit with the Bills. Passing the first receiving target off behind him, Jones was quick to react and help with the tackle.
Play 3
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This play is similar to above, but this time Jones was fast enough to break up the pass entirely. This wasn’t a raw speed win, but one due to Jones seeing the play develop and cheating up before the ball was even thrown.
Play 4
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More hustle and reaction from Jones as he diagnosed the play to the edge and responded. This wasn’t perfection by any means as Jones was muscled out of the best possible lane, but it again shows off a player reading the field well.
Play 5
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To end on a high note, here we have Jones being called in as a pass rusher. Jones didn’t get the chance to show off against an offensive lineman but demonstrated that the running back blocking him was a mismatch. Quarterback C.J. Beathard didn’t have any 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 he’s had some good production throughout the years. Jones’ athleticism was never felt to be an issue and that still looks to be the case to my eyes.
Noted by some draft analysis as a team-first player, the buzz appears to suggest a coachable player. Now an eight-year vet, Jones seems to have learned some tricks in the league, which shows up in his play detection.
Dion Jones represents a great addition for the Buffalo Bills. He’s a low-risk player who can help out in a pinch. Head coach Sean McDermott seems to have a good track record of coaching players to his scheme and it would appear that Jones should fit right in. Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, and Taron Johnson are likely the starting “three” linebackers in the 4-3 nickel defense for the Bills, with Jones a respectable safety net as of right now.