The San Francisco 49ers have been looking at a variety of options to fill out their inside linebacker depth, and they added another to the list this month. The team conducted a solo workout with LSU linebacker Deion Jones recently, according to NFL Network reporter Rand Getlin. Jones has also conducted workouts with the Dolphins, Titans, Lions, Falcons, and Panthers.
Jones is listed as an outside linebacker, but if he ended up on the 49ers roster, it would likely be in an inside linebacker role. He stands 6'1 and weighs 222 pounds. Any OLB work would be in a 4-3, and since the 49ers are looking at a 3-4, ILB would be the better role for him. There is also some thought he could also be a strong safety.
NaVorro Bowman will start at one of the team's inside linebacker spots, and right now, either Gerald Hodges or Michael Wilhoite will start at the other. If Myles Jack is there at No. 7, it would not surprise me to see the 49ers draft him. But if he does not slip, there are several options to consider.
Jones is projected by CBSSports.com as a potential third round pick. He only has one year of starting experience, so adding him would likely mean Hodges or Wilhoite is starting at the beginning of the 2016 season. And given his size and the safety mentions, maybe he can work into a dime role.
The 49ers have met with a handful of ILB prospects in the pre-draft process. They have conducted private workouts with B.J. Goodson (Clemson) and Deon King (Norfolk State), hosted Myles Jack (UCLA) and Jaylon Smith (Notre Dame) on visits, and met with Beniquez Brown (Miss St), C.J. Johnson (Ole Miss), and Darron Lee (Ohio State) at their respective school Pro Days. They also met with Reggie Ragland at the Senior Bowl.
Scouting reports
NFL.com
CBSSports.com
Draft Breakdown video
The Falcoholic
USA Today
With The First Pick