Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones has been at or near the top of the NFL totem pole for nearly a decade. Year in and year out, Jones brings elite production and remarkably little drama for the caliber of talent he is.
Back in 2018, the Falcons used a first-round pick on another standout receiver from Alabama in Calvin Ridley. In two seasons, Ridley has proven to be a speedy deep-threat and a perfect complement to Jones — 17 touchdowns in 29 games.
A recent Touchdown Wire feature set out to predict how many 1,000-yard receivers the NFL will have in 2020. When it came to the Falcons, both Jones and Ridley were highlighted as favorites to hit the milestone:
“Julio Jones will make it seven straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards. He’s capable of going over 1,500 for the fourth time in his career. And don’t be stunned if Calvin Ridley easily reaches 1,000. The former Alabama star had 866 receiving yards in his second season while missing three games.”
The Falcons’ duo combined for 2,260 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019. Another season together in Dirk Koetter‘s scheme should help Jones and Ridley become one of the top tandems in the league this year.
Plus, the departure of tight end Austin Hooper will likely result in more targets for Ridley in 2020.
