Julio Jones

2014

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2013

If it weren't for Roddy White's established rapport with Matt Ryan and track record of durability, Jones would have a strong case to be the No. 2 receiver on the board. As it stands, Jones is one of the best per-play receivers in the league, averaging 9.3 YPT (9th) last year, and despite being just 19th in targets (129) tied for 11th with 17 catches of 20-plus and ninth with five catches of 40 or more yards. At 6-3, 220, and having run a 4.34 40 at the NFL Combine, Jones is a rare combination of size and speed, possibly the most physically gifted wideout this side of Calvin Johnson. But with White (143 targets) and Tony Gonzalez (124 targets) set to return, and Steven Jackson likely to see his share of touches near the goal line, Jones' ceiling is lower than that of the other elite options on the board.

2012

While Roddy White made his living on volume, Jones was the team’s big-play weapon. Jones averaged a whopping 17.8 YPC (4th among 90-target WR) and 10.1 YPT (7th) and had six catches of 40-plus yards (tied for 7th) in just 13 games. At 6-3, 220, and having run a 4.34 40 at the NFL Combine, Jones is a rare combination of size and speed arguably surpassed only by Calvin Johnson. Jones scored eight TDs despite seeing almost no work inside the red zone – just seven targets, only one of which was from inside the 10. If that keeps up, it’s likely he could approach double-digit scores solely from long distance. But if the Falcons take advantage of Jones’ size from in close, he could find himself among the league leaders. Jones should improve in Year 2, and his rapport with quarterback Matt Ryan should only get better. But as long as White is Ryan’s first read, and Tony Gonzalez (21 targets) and Michael Turner (60 rushes) are the team’s top options in the red zone, Jones’ ceiling will be capped.

2011

Most rookie receivers don't find themselves in prominent roles off the bat. But given what the Falcons gave up to get Jones – the 27th pick, the 59th pick, the 124th pick and next year's first and fourth rounders – their lack of depth beyond Roddy White and their win-now mentality, the team will do everything in its power to get him involved this year. At 6-3, 220 and having run a 4.34 40 at the NFL Combine, Jones is a tremendous athlete and dangerous in any area of the field. He's got ideal red-zone size, a 38-inch vertical leap and good hands. Jones isn't particularly elusive in the open field, but he's tough to bring down and can get yards after the catch. He might not start right away, and White will still be Matt Ryan's first look, but expect Jones to be a factor this year. Jones had surgery to repair a fracture in his foot in March but should be healthy for the start of training camp.