5 things we learned from Falcons linebacker Deion Jones today

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FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, who made the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie team last season, has a new role in just his second-season with the team.

He's the rare, second-year mentor.

Here are five things we learned from Jones on Tuesday:

  1.  VOCAL CHORDS: Jones, the defense's signal caller, wants to get louder and more vocal on defense.
  2. WEIGHT ISSUE: The Falcons want Jones to keep his weight up. He weighed 222 pounds last year at his Pro Day. The Falcons want him to play between 230 and 235. He's at 230 now.
  3. VETS ARE GONE: Jones is trying to follow the lead of former Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and Paul Worrilow, who were very vocal on defense. "Everybody could hear their calls," Jones said.
  4. IT TAKES A VILLAGE: Jones has been assigned Falcons draft pick and former LSU linebacker Duke Riley to mentor. "It's takes a village," Jones said.
  5. ON MANUEL: Jones hasn't noticed any differences between former defensive coordinator Richard Smith and new defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel.
 Falcons linebacker Deion Jones met with the media on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. (By D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

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Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

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