9. Julio Jones
Position: WR
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Experience: 8 Years
Julio Jones has been one of the leagues top receivers for the last decade, as he burst onto the scene during his 2011 rookie campaign. The 6’3” 220 lb. wide out has always been a freak of nature, as his nickname in high school was “Waffle House” — because he was always open. The freak took his talents to Alabama for collegiate ball, and Jones certainly balled out. Jones had three terrific seasons on the Crimson Tide. His best year came in his last season as a junior, as he totaled 78 catches for 1133 yards and 7 TDs.
Entering the league in 2011, Jones wasn’t the primary option on his team to start. He joined the Atlanta Falcons offense who already had the talented Roddy White, a first round pick by the Falcons in 2005. The two quickly formed one of the leagues top duos at the position, and Jones fell just short of the 1000 yard barrier at 954 in his rookie season. He did this on only 54 receptions, putting him at 17.8 yards/reception, the highest mark of his career.
Jones continued to impress into his sophomore season, as he reached nearly 1200 yards and 10 TDs. If Jones had any negatives to his game it would be his lack of TDs on a per/year basis, as the 10 in his 2nd year is still his highest total to this date. Most analysts can chalk this up to bad luck, being tackled inside the 5, or the Falcons inability to target one of the best jump ball receivers in the red zone.
Jones suffered his only major injury in 2013, and he was only able to start and play in 5 games that season. Jones fractured his foot in a Monday night battle against the Jets which sidelined him the remaining 11 games of the year. After this injury, Jones has remained remarkably healthy, playing in 14 or more games in every other year of his career. Jones made his first Pro-Bowl in 2012, and has been elected to five more since then. Jones received his first All-Pro honors in 2015, during perhaps his best statistical season. He led the league in receptions, yards, and yards/game. He totaled a monstrous 136 grabs for 1871 yards!
Julio has been one of the best offensive skill players since he was drafted 6th overall to the Atlanta Falcons in 2011. The dude is just a generational type of athlete. Jones has always been near the top of the league in yards and yards/game. The only thing left for Jones to accomplish would be the elusive 2000 receiving yards. Jones is undoubtedly on his way to a Hall of Fame career, the only question is how many years can he keep putting up video game numbers?
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