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Report: LSU LB Deion Jones to Visit Colts this Week

By Luke Schultheis

Oct 3, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates with teammates following an interception against the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Eastern Michigan 44-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) celebrates with teammates following an interception against the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Eastern Michigan 44-22. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to NFL Network’s Rand Getlin, the Indianapolis Colts have a visit scheduled with LSU linebacker Deion Jones this week:

The 6’1″, 222 pound inside linebacker had a standout senior season for the Tigers, leading the team with 100 tackles and also recording 13.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions (including one for a 26-yard touchdown return), and 3 pass breakups.

He was also named permanent defensive captain and Defensive MVP in his final season with LSU.

Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson (5) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

In his 4-year collegiate career, Jones appeared in 51 career games with 11 starts.

Currently, Jones is projected to be an early round draft pick and should be among the handful of inside linebackers first drafted (via his NFL.com Draft Profile):

"NFL COMPARISONJoe Mays"

"BOTTOM LINEThree-down linebacker prospect with outstanding athleticism and a willing, aggressive mindset for the position. Jones lacks the playing experience that most linebackers in this draft will have so he might need a year of tutelage on the NFL level to help him expedite his learning curve. Jones could be a fit at ILB for a 3-4 team or as an outside linebacker in a 4­-3. Jones’ potential as a special teams cover man gives him a shot to get early playing time."

Of course, the Colts could clearly use some help at inside linebacker, where last year’s starter Jerrell Freeman departed to the Chicago Bears in free agency. His loss leaves returning backups such as Nate Irving and Sio Moore as the current favorites to replace him in the starting lineup.

Not to mention, veteran inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson turns 33 years old in September, and the team could elect to develop his long-term successor at the position.

Jones may need some additional seasoning for the professional ranks. However, he has the physical measurables and proven production to eventually develop into a quality starting inside linebacker for the Colts or any other NFL team for that matter.

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