2011 NFL Draft Results: The Atlanta Falcons Picked the Right Player

Thomas Dimitroff and the Atlanta Falcons took a risk. This was a good risk though.

The Atlanta Falcons' flaws were exposed against Green Bay last year, which included the WR position. Some may say that the Falcons need more help on the defensive side, but I do not think that.

The Falcons had a fine defense last year, one that was fifth in the NFL in points allowed. They did allow 48 points against Green Bay, but the offense was also to blame in that game.

Green Bay was able to score easily because they had explosive players, something the Falcons lack. The Dirty Birds had a grinding offense, one that tires the opponent's defense. They do not burn the opponent, and they really didn't have the ability to. 

Their running game is one that pounds, not scorches. Their passing game relied only on Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. 

The Falcons thought they had receivers that could run past receivers and make explosive plays, but it turned out they only had one: Roddy White. 

Atlanta was not built to come back from a large deficit, but now they are. With athletic and quick players like Julio Jones, one play can result in seven points.

Personally, I was hoping that the Falcons trade draft positions with the Bengals and get A.J. Green, but even so Julio Jones is not far behind Green in talent and promise.

While Jones is not as quick or nimble as A.J. Green, he is a strong and smart. Jones runs great routes and he can break tackles, two things that Atlanta's receivers could not consistently do. 

What Julio Jones can also do proficiently is block defenders. When he was with Alabama, he had two jobs: catch passes and block tacklers. 

Atlanta's running game with Michael Turner and Jason Snelling needs room for it to start churning. Last year the offensive line was great in terms of protecting the passer, but was inconsistent when it came to creating space for the running game.

Now Atlanta has two strong wide receivers who can block, which allows Atlanta now to focus on the defensive side of the ball instead of the OL or the lack of a true speed running back.

Yes the Falcons gave up high draft picks, but they got a tremendous player in return. Julio Jones also is somewhat more proven than most WR because he played and thrived in the SEC, the toughest conference in all of CFB. 

It is better to have one amazing player than to have three average players on a professional team that was the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Picking Julio Jones was the right decision.