Latest news with #JulioJones
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons miss out on All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones in 2011 NFL redraft
Two moves have really defined the Atlanta Falcons over the last two decades. The first move was selecting Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Three years later, the Falcons traded up to the sixth overall slot in the 2011 draft to select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. Ryan and Jones formed one of the most dynamic duos in NFL history. Both players retired as Atlanta's franchise statistical leaders at their respective positions. Jones is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Ryan has a decent chance to be voted into the league' s most exclusive club. Advertisement What would have happened if the Falcons never drafted Jones back in 2011? In Pro Football Focus' 2011 NFL redraft, the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver didn't even make it out of the top five. So instead of adding the most productive receiver in franchise history, the Falcons stayed at pick No. 27 and drafted cornerback Jimmy Smith. Smith's size and man-to-man ability were valuable assets during his 11-year career in Baltimore. He recorded an 81.5 PFF coverage grade and hauled in 14 regular-season interceptions and one postseason pick across that span. Smith also played very well on a small workload in Super Bowl 47, forcing two incompletions and earning a 92.7 PFF coverage grade. -- PFF's Max Chadwick, Dalton Wasserman and Trevor Sikkema Smith spent his entire career in Baltimore, and despite not making a Pro Bowl, he was a dependable starter that helped the Ravens secure the Super Bowl in 2013. The former Colorado defensive back appeared in 128 games (90 starts), recording 14 interceptions and 74 passes defended. The 2011 redraft saw Jones selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fourth overall pick. The Bengals originally took wide receiver A.J. Green at this spot, but PFF felt Jones was the better players throughout his NFL career. There was a big debate heading into the 2011 NFL Draft over whether A.J. Green or Julio Jones was the top wide receiver prospect. The Bengals ultimately picked Green, who went on to have an excellent career in Cincinnati. However, Jones ended up being the better player. The two-time first-team All-Pro recorded a career 94.7 PFF overall grade and was the second-most-valuable receiver across his 13 seasons, according to PFF WAR. -- PFF's Max Chadwick, Dalton Wasserman and Trevor Sikkema The Falcons still landed a quality player in PFF's redraft scenario, however, it's hard to imagine Ryan ever reaching his MVP potential without Jones as his top weapon. While Atlanta didn't capture the Super Bowl, the team got as close as humanly possible during the 2016 NFL season. Advertisement As the team moves into 2025, a new duo has emerged. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Drake London will look to get the Falcons back to the playoffs for the first time since Ryan and Jones departed. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons miss out on WR Julio Jones in 2011 NFL redraft
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Social media reacts to Alabama legend announcing NFL retirement
One of the greatest linebackers in Alabama Crimson Tide football history has now officially called it a career. Yes, on Thursday morning, former Alabama and NFL star C.J. Mosley officially announced his retirement from the game of football following 11 seasons in the league. Mosley is the second former Alabama great to announce their retirement from the NFL so far this offseason, joining wide receiver Julio Jones. A former first round pick from the 2014 NFL draft, Mosley played for two different teams across his 11 seasons in the league, the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets. Over that span, Mosley had a combined 1,083 tackles, 55 TFL, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries from 2014-24, while also making five Pro Bowl appearances. At Alabama from 2010-13, Mosley was a multi-year starter at inside linebacker for Alabama who compiled a total of 317 tackles, 24 TFL, 6.5 sacks, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles during his time in Tuscaloosa. Mosley was also a two-time national champion, a two-time All-American, the 2013 Butkus Award winner, and the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Let's take a look at some reactions on social media to the former Alabama great's retirement from the NFL. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football reactions to C.J. Mosley announcing NFL retirement
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Eagles greats, both past and present, land on the quarter-century all-star team.
Eagles greats, both past and present, land on the quarter-century all-star team. A handful of current and former Eagles made the cut as ESPN releases its NFL all-quarter-century team. They say artists are super-sensitive about their creations. It makes sense when one thinks about it. There's nothing like being appreciated for one's talent or creativity. NFL stars are also at times sensitive. If you haven't figured that out, stick around for a spell. If you're still confused, ask any Philadelphia Eagles star how he feels about his ratings on EA's Madden NFL game. There's a flip side to those coins. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing one's peers respect them. Why do you think players get so charged up when they see their inclusion on that player-influenced Top 100 list the NFL puts out every season? Being seen as 'great' is one thing. Being seen as great by the guys you played for and against is something else entirely. Landing on a list of all-stars is always an honor, and recently, a handful of Eagles earned a cap tip from ESPN. The worldwide leader in sports recently released an all-star team of a different sort, and get this. They even have a practice squad. Five Eagles make the cut and land on ESPN's NFL All Quarter Century team This is a pretty good idea by Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, actually. ESPN pieced together an NFL All Quarter Century team that's probably ending any NFL regular season with a 17-0 record. Patrick Mahomes has probably never been third string in his life, but he's behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning on the All Quarter Century team's 53-man depth chart. Naturally, the hunt was on for a few Eagles, and guess what? Five were named. Julio Jones Okay... We know... We know... Julio Jones will never be remembered as an Eagle, but tenure doesn't matter. His short stint in Philadelphia earns him a mention on this list of Eagles. Terrell Owens Though he'll most be remembered for sit-ups in his driveway and how his Eagles tenure ended, Terrell Owens was a revelation in Philadelphia, piecing together one of the greatest single seasons we have seen from any wide receiver in the history of this organization. Lane Johnson The lone current Eagle on this list, it's easy to agree with a recent and growing sentiment. Lane Johnson might be remembered as the greatest right tackle of all time. He has constructed a resume worthy of Canton, Ohio, one he keeps adding to with each passing season. Jason Kelce Perhaps the most beloved Eagle of all time... No disrespect is intended to the next Bird on this list. Jason Kelce will never again have to pay for a meal or a beer in Philadelphia, unless he wants to. Brian Dawkins If Kelce is the most beloved Eagle ever, Brian Dawkins is a close, close second. Not only that, he's the organization's first superhero. He'll forever be Philadelphia's 'Weapon X'. In conclusion, somewhere, the 1972 Miami Dolphins are relieved. Put ESPN's squad on the field, and they're beating everyone and keeping the cork in that champagne bottle. While we could all rally for a few more Birds, we have to give Schatz and Walder credit again. This is a mighty fine NFL roster!
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons First-Round Draft Pick Walker Wearing Historic Franchise Jersey Number For Atlanta
The Atlanta Falcons have recently released jersey numbers that the team's rookies will wear for the upcoming season. The Falcons released the jersey numbers for their five 2025 draft selections on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday afternoon. James Pearce Jr. will don number 27. The two safeties the Falcons added in the middle rounds of the draft, Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., will don numbers 31 and 33, respectively. Advertisement Seventh-round draft pick Jack Nelson will wear number 69. For the Falcons UDFA's, the team has released the numbers that they will wear on the team's website. The most popular jersey number being tossed around the rumor mill is the one that Jalon Walker has chosen to wear. He will don the number 11 jersey. Georgia's Jalon Walker's name was displayed when selected by the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL Draft. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Given that Julio Jones once wore that number for Atlanta and will go down as a franchise great, it has caused some concern around the league. It is speculated that one day that particular number will be retired and will be unavailable for Walker to have. No one knows exactly when that day will come, but rest assured, it will. It isn't the first time since Jones left Atlanta that the jersey number has been worn. During the 2023 season, quarterback Logan Woodside wore number 11 for the Falcons. Then last season, quarterback Emory Jones had it. The only difference is that those two players only appeared with it once in a game. Walker will be an every-down player on defense as long as he remains healthy. Advertisement For now, Walker can wear that number with pride, but he may be forced to part with it soon when it hangs in the rafters. Related: Atlanta Falcons Rumored To Be Included In NFL's International Series Related: Atlanta Falcons 53-Man Roster Projection For 2025
New York Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Falcons set high expectations for rookies, starting with Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Julio Jones is not the last Atlanta Falcon to wear No. 11. Quarterback Logan Woodside wore it in 2023, and quarterback Emory Jones wore it in 2024, but neither had the type of production to jeopardize the jersey's association with Jones, a future Hall of Famer and the best wide receiver in team history. Advertisement The man the Falcons hope will be the next impactful No. 11 took the field for the first time Friday as edge rusher Jalon Walker joined 40 other rookies and veteran tryout players for rookie minicamp. 'It's an honor. I take it seriously as much as I can,' Walker said of wearing the famous number. Walker, whom the Falcons picked at No. 15, has worn the number since high school, and the team is hoping he will have the type of career that will result in him one day being remembered alongside Jones at the mention of the jersey number. 'I hate to even talk about him this way, but when you talk to guys like that, you see future captain,' coach Raheem Morris said. 'The team will decide that and he will decide that, but you see it in the makeup.' The Falcons have high expectations not just for Walker but for their entire draft class, most notably the top four picks, which include Walker, edge James Pearce Jr. (pick No. 26), safety Xavier Watts (No. 96) and defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (No. 118). Atlanta believes all four players can be starters this season, assistant general manager Kyle Smith said. 'Make no mistake about it, we're going to have some real intentionality about playing our rookies this season, getting them on the grass and giving them the opportunity to play a significant amount of football,' Morris said. James Pearce Jr. (27) looks the part. — Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) May 9, 2025 The rookies arrived at the team's practice facility Thursday and held their only real practice of the rookie minicamp Friday, an hour-long workout that featured individual drills and seven-on-seven work. The young players will join the veterans next week for OTAs. 'This is really just to get the (the rookies) acclimated to how we do things so next week when they're with the vets, they don't slow them down,' Morris said. Advertisement Most of the eyes Friday were on Walker and Pearce, who spent the day side by side in individual drill work. 'There are really no surprises, just glad that the draft process is over with and finally get to work with the team that drafted me,' Pearce said. 'I'm happy to work with James,' Walker said. 'Can't wait to see where our journey starts.' Atlanta's pass-rush problems have been well-chronicled, and Morris said Friday that the offseason emphasis was to get them fixed. The Falcons finished 31st in the league in sacks last season with 31. 'I get beat up all year about not getting sacks, and that's got to change,' Morris said. 'The only way you can change that is to change that. That was part of our process, very intentional, going out and trying to fix the edge room.' The Falcons also added edge rusher Leonard Floyd during free agency and are expecting a fully healthy return for edge rusher Bralen Trice, last year's third-round pick who missed the entire season because of a knee injury. Atlanta's five-person draft class was rated the league's most valuable this year by Sharp Football Analysis, which used a formula comparing every player's projection coming into the draft with their actual draft selection. best value 2025 NFL draft classes 1. Falcons2. Browns3. Cardinals4. Eagles5. Giants6. Chiefs7. Buccaneers8. Steelers9. Ravens10. Bills see pic for 1-32 plus methodology READ FULL ANALYSIS: team-by-team & round-by-round analysis to follow 🧵 — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 26, 2025 'We're not just adding bodies. These are impactful players, every single one of them, that we have a clear vision for, and it worked out,' general manager Terry Fontenot said. 'It doesn't always work out like this, but they fit needs, whether you're talking about the pressure players up front, and obviously, we know the versatility that we have there at the safety position, the nickel position. These are all needs for us, and it worked out that we're able to draft impact players in those spots. It doesn't always work out like that, but we're very excited about that.' Advertisement Watts could end up starting next to Jessie Bates III, while Bowman's role could take time to develop. He is expected to compete for starting nickel snaps but said Friday that he's training at safety as well. 'It's just a good group of guys,' Watts said Friday. 'I have talked to everybody, all just good people overall and we're all good football players. Can't wait to see what happens in the future, just excited to work with them.' (Photo of Jalon Walker: Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
