The Falcons gave up a lot in order to move up and draft wide receiver Julio Jones back in 2011, but it’s a move the team should have zero regrets about.
Jones is one of two receivers selected in the first round currently on Atlanta’s roster. The other is second-year WR Calvin Ridley, the team’s top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Our friends over at the Touchdown Wire released an article grading all 34 wide receivers taken in the first round over the past decade.
Here’s what Barry Werner wrote about Jones, who was one of just two receivers to earn an A+ on the entire list:
Another fantastic wideout is Julio Jones, who the Falcons wisely traded up to draft in the sixth slot. He’s been Matt Ryan’s go-to guy from the git-go. Jones is pretty much unstoppable and always draws the toughest DB or double coverage. A great one.
DeAndre Hopkins was the only other receiver to get an A+. As for Calvin Ridley, he would earn a very respectable B grade from Werner:
The Falcons dipped back into Alabama to grab a first-round selection at 26. Calvin Ridley has done a nice job in his time with Atlanta. He’s provided a solid tandem with Julio Jones, a fellow Crimson Tide WR.
Ridley should have a chance to grow playing next to Jones for years to come, especially since the team traded Mohamed Sanu to the Patriots last week.
One thing that’s apparent after going through so many failed first-round WR picks is that the Falcons have to be pretty happy with the two they ended up with.
