Falcons Ex Julio Jones Greatest NFL Draft Pick in Franchise History?

Julio Jones was selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.

It's been 12 years since the Atlanta Falcons traded up for Julio Jones in the first round of the NFL Draft.

It was a big risk at the time, but it certainly paid off for the Falcons. Jones had 848 catches for 12,868 yards and scored 61 touchdowns in 135 career games with the Falcons.

That's why Sports Illustrated tabbed him as the franchise's best all-time draft selection.

"While Matt Ryan, Claude Humphrey, Deion Sanders and even Tommy Nobis have strong cases, Jones is the right call," SI writes. Once he retires, it won’t be a long wait until he gets the call for Canton, with a case led by 10 great years in Atlanta. Jones is a two-time first-team All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 2010s All-Decade Team. He led the league twice in receiving yards and once in receptions, all while posting six consecutive years of at least 1,394 yards."

Jones left the Falcons after the 2020 season and joined the Tennessee Titans in 2021. After an injury riddled 2021 season, he signed with the Buccaneers in 2022. Injuries derailed his lone season in Tampa Bay as he was only able to play in 10 games. 

Jones is currently a free agent and looks to leech onto a roster for the 2023 season.

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