The only problem I would see with going by college stats would be that you would then put several receivers ahead of Watkins in this draft, which clearly is not the case and if you compared him to say Stedman Baily from last year, you would come away thinking Watkins couldn't hold his jock - also something that would appear clearly untrue.Maybe I'm nuts -X-, but if Julio Jones turned out to be a bust in the NFL, think a lot of ppl would be saying "WATKINS IS A BETTER PROSPECT THEN JONES WAS blah blah blah." Not everyone would say that of course, but some I really believe would say that. My point is we should compare the two when they were in college. Using Jones' NFL experience doesn't bold for a fair argument, of course he's better then Watkins RIGHT NOW. Prospect wise, it might be close.
The only problem I would see with going by college stats would be that you would then put several receivers ahead of Watkins in this draft, which clearly is not the case and if you compared him to say Stedman Baily from last year, you would come away thinking Watkins couldn't hold his jock - also something that would appear clearly untrue.
Maybe I'm nuts -X-, but if Julio Jones turned out to be a bust in the NFL, think a lot of ppl would be saying "WATKINS IS A BETTER PROSPECT THEN JONES WAS blah blah blah." Not everyone would say that of course, but some I really believe would say that. My point is we should compare the two when they were in college. Using Jones' NFL experience doesn't bold for a fair argument, of course he's better then Watkins RIGHT NOW. Prospect wise, it might be close.
Which was the point from the get-go...at least until the thread was hi jacked.
I *was* talking about them as college prospects. Julio was always the more physical and taller receiver. Of course you can never project how they'll perform as professional athletes, but based on what they brought to the table in terms of tangibles, I'd still take Jones over Watkins if they were both coming out right now.Maybe I'm nuts -X-, but if Julio Jones turned out to be a bust in the NFL, think a lot of ppl would be saying "WATKINS IS A BETTER PROSPECT THEN JONES WAS blah blah blah." Not everyone would say that of course, but some I really believe would say that. My point is we should compare the two when they were in college. Using Jones' NFL experience doesn't bold for a fair argument, of course he's better then Watkins RIGHT NOW. Prospect wise, it might be close.
His performance in only his freshman year drew comparisons to NFL greats. ESPN.com reported, "This guy is a unique, rare prospect for the wide receiver position with his supreme blend of size, power, speed and agility. He reminds us of a high school version of Michael Irvin, but at this stage Jones is more explosive and faster."[27] An NFL scout put Jones in the same category as Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who at the time was the second-leading receiver in the NFL
Preceding the 2009 football season, Julio Jones was voted to the All-SEC Coaches' Football Team (first team), one of only four players to be voted such unanimously (along with Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Tennessee safety Eric Berry and LSU offensive lineman Ciron Black).[29]
Jones ended his Junior campaign with an Alabama record 78 catches and 1,133 yards along with 7 TDs (4th in school history). He also had 8 rushes for 135 yards and 2 TDs along with 5 punt returns for 44 yards and 5 kickoff returns for 129 yards. Jones ended his Alabama career 2nd in career receptions (179) and yards (2,653) and 4th in TD catches (15). He had 8 career 100 receiving games (2nd in school history). Jones was a unanimous 1st Team All-SEC selection in 2010.
He excelled at the 2011 NFL Combine, posting the longest long jump and the third fastest 40-yard dash among receivers,[53] despite having a broken bone in his foot. He ran a 4.38 40 at 6'3" and 220 lbs.
Jones has the prototypical build to become a No. 1 receiver. A vertical threat due to his height, strength, leaping ability, and speed. Generates big plays after the catch on screens and crossing patterns because of his physicality as a runner. Flashes outstanding hands and ball skills, will make the highlight grabs and haul in passes well outside his frame, but also struggles with bouts of drops. Needs to shore up his hands and route-running to develop into a consistent chain-mover at the next level. Plays aggressively, will go over the middle and block. A foot injury hasn't hindered Jones' upside, and he is projected to be a mid first-round pick.
I'm thinking teams would simply run up the middle. More likely that Long would play tackle I think.Maybe the Rams should go ahead and draft Clowney and play him at DE and LT.
You know, bring back the days of the two-way player.
With all of his upside, I see absolutely no reason it shouldn't work.
just saying, everyone has a favorite who they put ahead of all others, RFIP saying he wouldn't want any other WR other than SW is like you saying you wouldn't want any other OT than Robinson or Mathews, just means you think that player is that much better than the rest, its all opinion.
Maybe I'm nuts -X-, but if Julio Jones turned out to be a bust in the NFL, think a lot of ppl would be saying "WATKINS IS A BETTER PROSPECT THEN JONES WAS blah blah blah." Not everyone would say that of course, but some I really believe would say that. My point is we should compare the two when they were in college. Using Jones' NFL experience doesn't bold for a fair argument, of course he's better then Watkins RIGHT NOW. Prospect wise, it might be close.
Maybe I'm nuts -X-, but if Julio Jones turned out to be a bust in the NFL, think a lot of ppl would be saying "WATKINS IS A BETTER PROSPECT THEN JONES WAS blah blah blah." Not everyone would say that of course, but some I really believe would say that. My point is we should compare the two when they were in college. Using Jones' NFL experience doesn't bold for a fair argument, of course he's better then Watkins RIGHT NOW. Prospect wise, it might be close.
I *was* talking about them as college prospects. Julio was always the more physical and taller receiver. Of course you can never project how they'll perform as professional athletes, but based on what they brought to the table in terms of tangibles, I'd still take Jones over Watkins if they were both coming out right now.
I'm not commenting about anyone's post but I have some knowledge about human nature and I doubt seriously that what Julio has done in the pros hasn't colored everyone else's opinion in this debate (except for your Memphis). It's just human nature IMO. It's like telling a jury to forget something that was said in the trial. Most people can't do it even if they tried. That's why lawyers sneek that stuff in even though they know the judge will tell the jury to ignore it. Appeals (or the judge declares a mistrial) by the defense have been won because upper courts have acknowledged this to be true.Memphis Ram forgetting how the mind works:
has anyone really compared Pre-Draft Watkins to NFL Jones? If the have, I've missed it, thus this seems like a bit of a strawman.
I don't see why. Julio was better than Sammy in almost every aspect as a prospect. It's not even that close, imo.
This is what I was referring to and RamFan14 answered as well. You can't just look at stats. Otherwise you would have to have the opinion that Sted was far and away a better prospect coming out than Watkins. Something I think we can all agree he was not.Wrong. Jones had question marks because he didn't put up great numbers in college, and he had some big drop issues, remember? He silenced the critics at the combine for the most part. Watkins has the numbers AND the combine to back him up. Remember Jones only eclipsed 1000 yds receiving in 2010 - he had 1133 yds and only 7 tds.
As a prospect, before any NFL experience etc etc, Watkins is the better prospect. Go back and look if you don't beleive me.
I'm not commenting about anyone's post but I have some knowledge about human nature and I doubt seriously that what Julio has done in the pros hasn't colored everyone else's opinion in this debate (except for your Memphis). It's just human nature IMO. It's like telling a jury to forget something that was said in the trial. Most people can't do it even if they tried. That's why lawyers sneek that stuff in even though they know the judge will tell the jury to ignore it. Appeals (or the judge declares a mistrial) by the defense have been won because upper courts have acknowledged this to be true.
Memphis Ram with this:
Makes sense.
Memphis Ram and with this:
But, it would make more if the same opinions on Jones potential upside weren't expressed even before he was drafted.
I watch the tape and see a very good receiver but not a top 5 of the draft receiver - especially when we have spent so much draft capital on the position of late.
I'm not commenting about anyone's post but I have some knowledge about human nature and I doubt seriously that what Julio has done in the pros hasn't colored everyone else's opinion in this debate (except for your Memphis). It's just human nature IMO. It's like telling a jury to forget something that was said in the trial. Most people can't do it even if they tried. That's why lawyers sneek that stuff in even though they know the judge will tell the jury to ignore it. Appeals (or the judge declares a mistrial) by the defense have been won because upper courts have acknowledged this to be true.
jrry32 said:Julio Jones is an incredible athlete. He's a 6'4 WR with a nice NFL body at 220. Jones has deep speed along with tight end strength. He's a WR who will outmuscle opponents for the ball and the man can really run after the catch. He's an excellent run blocker and his route running really improved this year. Before the year, I was hesitant about Jones because he was there mentally. He seemed to be going through the motions at times and dropped passes due to concentration problems. However, this year he turned things on mentally and finally became the dominant WR I thought he could be. Julio Jones reminds me a lot of a Young TO without the attitude. If he's not there, it will stink and I'd prefer not to think about that situation.