NFL Draft: Alabama Receiver Julio Jones Is a Better Pick Than A.J. Green

Now that Andrew Luck is officially out of the No. 1 draft pick spot, many people have been eying Georgia receiver A.J. Green to be the pick that Carolina makes.

To me that is a bad decision, as there is a better receiver on the board.

Here are a few reasons why Alabama's Julio Jones should be taken over Green.

Julio Jones Played a Full Season

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stiffarms Chris Rucker #29 of the Michigan State Spartans during the Capitol One Bowl at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Im

Jones had 1,133 yards this season while playing for the Crimson Tide. Along with the yardage, he caught seven touchdown passes. 

He played a complete season and is a great choice at wide receiver.

He Was Not the Feature in the Offense

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long reception against Mike McNeil #26 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Unlike A.J. Green, Julio Jones was not the center of the Alabama offense this season. He was a second-tier option to the explosive running game that includes Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.  

This is a great mark, as it shows that he is a team player and doesn't need the spotlight.

He Can Block

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Wide receiver Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a 56 yard touchdown with running back Mark Ingram #22 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Since Jones was in a running offense, it's presumed that he is a great run blocker, and he is. Jones had some terrific blocks this season, which should be a big draw to the NFL market.  

Blocking is one of the most overlooked roles of the wide-receiver position, but rest assured, most NFL teams do not take it for granted.

Powerful

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long reception against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jones is a very powerful receiver that has an ability to knock around defensive backs if he needs to. Although he is powerful, he isn't too powerful to stop the fines that is needed for a wide-reciever. 

Fast

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

When Jones gets into the open field, it is good-bye.

The opposing defense might as well stop, to prevent further cardiovascular damage caused by chasing after a ghost. Jones is a ghost, because he disappears in the open field. 

221-Yard Game

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stiffs arms the facemask of Fon Ingram #35 of the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Against Tennessee, Jones had 221 receiving yards and no touchdowns. Most receivers would be upset that he wasn't given the opportunity to score, but not Jones. 

He knows his role and will do what needs to be done to win.

He Will Be a Star and Not Cause Problems

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jones is destined to be a star, and will not cause any issues. He already plays under Nick Saban, who is a tough-nosed coach. If a receiver can get along with Saban, he can get along with anyone.

If Jones comes out, he should be taken as the top receiver in the draft.