Titans’ Julio Jones, A.J. Brown ranked as top 10 WRs in ESPN survey
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By: Mike Moraitis
We’ve gotten a kick out of the top 10 lists ESPN has compiled lately, mostly because they give insight into how people in the league view other players.
Tennessee Titans such as left Taylor Lewan (No. 7), running back Derrick Henry (No. 1) and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (No. 6) have all made the cut at their respective positions, all the while garnering some interesting quotes from unnamed executives, scouts and coaches.
Now, we can add wide receivers Julio Jones and A.J. Brown to the list of Titans who have made the cut at their positions.
Jones landed at No. 5 in ESPN’s wide receiver survey after topping the list last year, while Brown barely cracked it at No. 10 after not making the cut ahead of his sophomore campaign in 2020.
Here’s the write-up about Jones courtesy of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who also included quotes from those around the league that show there is still plenty of respect for the veteran wideout despite others being down on him for 2021. Jones even garnered at least one first-place vote in the poll.
Jones dipped four spots, but teams say turn on the tape and you still see a unicorn.
“This is not an A.J. Green situation where the play clearly declined,” an AFC exec said. “He’s still that dude.”
We heard this similar assessment from several teams who looked into trading for Jones, whom Atlanta shipped to Tennessee for draft picks and a $15 million salary dump.
Despite missing seven games with hamstring issues last season , Jones still posted good numbers. His 11.2 yards per target was the best in the league, and he paced for nearly 1,400 yards over a 16-game slate. Nearly 32% of his receptions went for 20 or more yards.
“Still the best — injuries aren’t an issue,” an AFC scout said. “If they were contending last year, I think he would have played.”
As far as Brown is concerned, he won a tiebreaker against fellow young stud and Atlanta Falcons wideout, Calvin Ridley. Here’s what those polled had to say about the Ole Miss product, who was ranked as high as No. 3 by at least one voter.
Brown and Calvin Ridley required tiebreakers for the 10th spot, and execs tasked with breaking the tie preferred Brown’s explosion over Ridley’s smooth route running — barely.
Brown made the most of his routes, averaging 10.1 yards per target on his way to a second 1,000-yard season.
“After the catch, he’s as good as anybody,” said an NFC exec. “Looking for contact.”
Brown’s 159 yards after contact last year is more in line with what tight ends and running backs are producing. He averages 6.11 yards after catch per reception, tops among wide receivers with at least 80 targets.
“Similar to DK, but he’s more fluid,” an NFC scout said. “Not as polished a route runner as Calvin [Ridley] but could handle more than [the Tennessee] offense gives him. I could see them expanding the passing game this year with Julio and A.J.”
With Jones and Brown in the mix, along with running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Titans’ offense has an opportunity to be a truly special unit once again in 2021.
