Alabama WR Julio Jones Shines in 2011 NFL Combine, Needs Surgery On Foot

No more than a single day after a fantastic showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, it was revealed that Alabama WR Julio Jones will need surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot.

Jones has a broken foot and will need to have surgery to have a screw inserted into the bone to accelerate the healing process, according to a CBS Sports. Following the surgery, he’ll have an eight-week rehab process, according to NFL Network.

What’s utterly amazing is the fact that Jones did everything he did at the Combine with the broken bone in his foot, which is obviously a big testament to his ability.

Julio Jones ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes of the Combine (4.39 seconds on his second attempt). He also posted the best broad jump of 11 feet, three inches and had a vertical leap of 38 1/2 inches.

This was even enough to close in on Georgia’s A.J. Green, who many feel is the overall No. 1 receiver in the draft.

This injury is also said to be similar to Michael Crabtree’s stress fracture he suffered in the 2009 draft, causing him to drop a few ticks before being taken 10th overall by San Francisco.

The surgery and eight week recovery is a good estimate putting Jones right on the mark to be ready for the 2011 NFL Draft, but any delay or set back could cause an immediate stock drop.

It’s said that the St. Louis Rams are expected to take Julio Jones with the 14th pick, and if that becomes reality, Jones will be touting some serious immediate fantasy worth.

Julio Jones had 179 receptions for 2,653 yards and 15 TDs in his collegiate career, and playing as Sam Bradford’s eventual primary target will have fantasy owners salivating on draft day.