Atlanta Falcons: 5 Reasons Julio Jones Will Be NFC's Best Receiver in 2012

The Atlanta Falcons made a splash by trading up in the 2011 NFL draft to acquire wide receiver Julio Jones, and while the move was a bold one at that, the young playmaker has shown that he has the potential to be a superstar in this league.

Jones' rookie season started slowly, but as the year went on he showed he can be a playmaker, scoring six touchdowns in the final four games of the regular season.

The ceiling is high for Jones, and if things go his way next season, his time should come to begin competing for the title of best receiver in the NFC.

Health

Julio Jones was not the only player to start the season slow last year, as many players came into camp out of shape and unsure of when the season would actually begin.

Jones, however, was limited by a hamstring injury part way through the season, and even missed a couple of games.

Admittedly, it's impossible to gauge whether or not injuries are going to hinder a player's season this early. If Jones can stay healthy, though, his numbers—as well as his overall impact—could be on the incline come his sophomore season.

Size and Speed

Size and speed are practically essentials when it comes to being an elite wide receiver, and while Julio Jones doesn't quite have the physique of the 6'5", 236-pound Calvin Johnson, his 6'3", 230-pound frame is nothing to scoff at.

Using his size to his advantage can prove to be problematic for defenses, as his physicality off the line could become as big a weapon as his overall skill set.

Before being drafted, Jones ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. His speed is great, but he showed during his rookie season that he is able to make plays not only deep in the open field, but also over the middle in a sea of defenders.

Roddy White, 31 next season, will likely enter the past-his-prime portion of his career in the next couple of years, and who better to step up in his place than the 23-year-old Jones, whose talent and skill set both have tremendous upside.

More Targets

The argument can be made that Julio Jones will never be the best receiver in the NFC when he's not even the best receiver on his own team.

The question is, though, is Roddy White really a better receiver?

White lead the Atlanta Falcons in receiving yards last year with 1,296 and also came up with eight touchdowns during the season, but he was also targeted 85 more times than Jones.

In just 96 targets last season, Jones caught as many touchdowns as White and recorded an average yards per catch of 17.8—fourth among NFC receivers. 

Having also recorded more yards after catch than White, Jones' numbers show efficiency, so if he can become the go-to guy through the air, his game could easily jump up a level next season.

Dynamic Receiving Core

Having Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez on the roster can certainly account for less passes being thrown Julio Jones' way.

Having that same crew, however, to help draw defenders away from the up-and-coming receiver, could potentially boost Jones into the No. 1 spot on the team.

Despite playing behind White, Jones was ranked 12th in the NFC in receiving yards and tied for eighth in receiving touchdowns in just his rookie season.

Whether Jones is the No. 1 or No. 2 receiver on his team, his numbers should continue to increase, and he should become an even more reliable go-to guy regardless of who else helps make up the receiving core in Atlanta.

Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan has not become an elite quarterback in the NFL as of yet, but if his upside is as great as fans in Atlanta think it is, he could be the final piece that helps Julio Jones take his next step toward stardom.

Eclipsing 4,000 yards last season, the fourth-year quarterback finished with career highs in touchdowns and passer (QB) rating. 

Ryan made Roddy White the No. 1 targeted receiver in the entire NFC last season, but if he can find a way to hit Jones more often next year, it could help speed along the growth process for the young wide receiver.

On a team that had the fourth most passes thrown in the NFL last season, success for Ryan could turn into success for Jones in the very near future.