2011 NFL Draft: Who Is the Better Pro—Julio Jones or A.J. Green?

Julio Jones and A.J. Green.  You see them broken down, analyzed and flip-flopped on every draft board known to man.  You see the pros, the cons and intangibles as to what makes each so special.  But, when debating over who the better pro prospect is, there really is no debate.

The career stats are remarkably similar:

• Julio Jones: 179 receptions, 2,653 yards, 15 touchdowns
• A.J. Green: 166 receptions, 2,619 yards, 23 touchdowns

Not too surprising to find such high caliber receivers putting up identical stats.  Despite Green's eight-touchdown advantage and obvious four-game disparity due to suspension, the stats can almost be thrown out the window.

Now we must break down the visual differences in the two.  Both make astonishing catches and have superb hands. 

I would give Green the slight advantage when it comes to route-running and hands, but the ultimate difference in the two is toughness.

Sure, I may be an idiot for thinking that toughness is one of the primary attributes a receiver needs in the NFL, but history doesn't lie. 

Jones simply has that extra gear that allows him to pick up those extra two yards for a first down. 

Don't think that's as important as catching touchdowns?  Take a quick look at the Patriots.  With the exception of Randy Moss, who was traded because of irrelevance in the offense, the Patriots use receivers much like Jones to methodically matriculate the ball up the field.

Not enough evidence?  Look at the Steelers, Ravens, Falcons, Jets, etc.  The NFL's most successful teams are simply more physical than others.  Even the predominantly pass-heavy Packers rely more on physicality of receivers, paired with an excellent quarterback to win games.

Amazing grabs in the end zone are great and a necessity on many teams, but when looking at these two, is the gap in remarkable big-play ability large enough to offset Jones' obvious physicality difference?

So when deciding which receiver to take with your first-round pick you may think, "Who cares? They're both going to produce monster numbers!"  You're probably right.  But much like the two schools each young man chose three years ago, one is a winner, while the other leaves much to be desired.