2011 NFL Draft: Alabama WR Julio Jones Is a Perfect Fit as a New England Patriot

The New England Patriots are one of the NFL's top offenses led by quarterback Tom Brady. However, there is always room for improvement. 

Brady has some talented targets at wide receiver with Wes Welker and Deion Branch and at tight end with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. However, the Patriots are missing one type of a receiver—a true number one.

New England does not need Randy Moss back; they don't need any "deep threat receiver" on their roster. What New England really needs is a strong physical receiver who can use his frame to get open—not Moss. 

When you take a look at the 2011 draft class, Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones jumps out at you. While playing in Alabama under a "Bill Belichick disciple," Nick Saban, Belichick is likely very familiar with Jones. 

If New England calls Jones' number at 17th overall on draft day, what will the former 'Bama receiver be bring to the table? 

Strengths

Standing in at 6'3" and 220 lbs, Jones is an extremely large target. Having such a large and athletic frame, Jones uses it to his ability by being very physical with defenders and forces his way open.

Jones is a very good route-runner, which is something that Belichick praises on.

When going against press coverage, Jones flourishes as he uses his strength and size to overpower the cornerback.

The 2010 season was a magnificent one for Jones. He proved to scouts that he is a playmaker and a reliable target while reeling in 78 passes for an almost unreal 1,133 yards along with seven touchdowns. 

At the NFL combine, Jones solidified himself a first-round candidate when he posted a 4.39 40-yard dash time and a wide receiver-best 1.50 10-yard sprint time.

When Jones is not running patterns, he is blocking—and that's something he does very well. His blocking skills are among the best for receivers in the draft, and that is one trait that must appeal to Belichick.  

Weaknesses

The major knock on Jones is his hands—he can be inconsistent.

Some scouts and experts speculate that it's a loss of focus and concentration, and that must change in order for Jones to excel at the next level.

Conclusion

I highly doubt that Belichick will use a first-round pick on a wide receiver, but stranger things have happened. 

Jones would put up huge numbers in New England's offensive system and would provide some much needed support for receivers Branch and Welker. 

New England currently sits with the 17th and 28th overall picks in the first round, and I do not see the Patriots selecting Jones at 17th. But, if he somehow slips to 28th, the Patriots could not pass him up. 

Although his future as a Patriot is extremely unlikely, Jones is exactly what the Patriots need at the wide receiver position.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.