Grading Dimitroff’s Previous First Round Picks
By John Buhler
2011: WR Julio Jones, Alabama (6th Overall – From Cleveland)
After getting trounced by Green Bay in the Divisional round of the 2010 NFC Playoffs, it became very clear that Atlanta needed to add some spark to their passing game. Thomas Dimitroff took a big gamble in trading up to get the 6th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. It cost Atlanta several picks including a first-rounder in 2012.
Julio Jones was one of two blue chip WR prospects coming out of the SEC. Jones was a first-team All-SEC receiver for the Tide his junior and was part of the 2009 BCS National Championship team. Known for his great hands and breakaway speed, Falcons fan were ecstatic to see Dimitroff climb the draft board to select the Bama wideout.
Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) gets pushed out of bounds by Arizona Cardinals free safety Rashad Johnson (26) after Jones made a reception in the second quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Since landing with the Falcons, Jones has made two Pro Bowl appearances (2012 & 2014) and led the NFL in receiving yards last season. He also suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 5 of the dreadful 2013 season. When healthy Julio is no doubt a top five wide receiver in football. Alongside veteran Pro Bowl WR Roddy White, Atlanta has arguably the best one-two punch at receiver in the NFC, possibly the NFL.
Outside of having a screw in his foot, Jones is as good as it gets at WR. The Browns swung and missed with their first round pick acquired from Atlanta in 28-year old rookie QB Brandon Weeden. Unless the front office senses any more concerns about Julio’s long-term health, expect Jones to wear a Falcons uniform for a long time when both parties reach a new contract agreement very soon.
Grade: 90, A-