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Thomas Dimitroff’s five best picks as Falcons GM

By Jeff Benedict

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons watches Falcons defense during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons watches Falcons defense during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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We have seen mega trades go down in sports history as a huge blunder for the team that gave up a lot in order to move up in a draft to get the guy that really really really want. There were many that thought that Thomas Dimitroff and the Atlanta Falcons were making this type of mistake when they traded five picks to Cleveland for the ability to draft Quintorris Lopez ”Julio” Jones. Before we go further, here is who the Browns drafted with those picks:

2011 Draft:

2012 Draft:

Clearly, the Atlanta Falcons got the best of that trade.

What has Julio meant to the Atlanta Falcons? In 2019, with 110 receptions and only 133 yards, he will become the franchises all time leader in receptions and yards, breaking the records currently held by Roddy White. Every time Julio takes the field he gives this team a chance to score. Jones, rarely sees single coverage and has allowed guys like White, to reap the benefits of single coverage regardless of where they line up.

Julio Jones is the NFL career leader in yards per game at 96.7. To put this in perspective, according to Pro Football Focus, Hall of Fame WR’s Jerry Rice and Randy Moss only averaged 75.6 & 70.1 yards per game respectively for their careers.

Julio may not score as many TD’s as we would like, he isn’t as flashy as other WR’s in the league and there may be a host of fans that are unhappy with his new contract, but there is no doubt we have witnessed greatness and he is not only one of the greatest Falcons of all time, but he will be a first ballot hall of fame WR when he hangs up his cleats.

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