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New York Giants: Ranking Odell Beckham, Top 5 wide receivers in NFL

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants fans hold up a sign supporting wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (not pictured) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants fans hold up a sign supporting wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (not pictured) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) signals a first down against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) signals a first down against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Age: 28 (2/3/1989)
2016 Season Statistics: 14 games played, 83 receptions, 1,409 yards, 6 touchdowns
Career Statistics: 79 games played, 497 receptions, 7,610 yards, 40 touchdowns

Whether or not it’s the optimal form of offensive execution, no contending team played more through one wide receiver than the Atlanta Falcons. Julio Jones is the first and last option in the passing attack, and that’s in no way an indictment of the talent that’s been placed around him.

This past season, Jones’ greatness was so prolific that it helped Matt Ryan win NFL MVP and enabled the Falcons to reach the Super Bowl.

Despite missing two games, Jones ranked No. 2 in the NFL in receiving yards. He led all players with an average of 100.6 yards per reception and had 27 receptions of 20-plus yards—second in the NFL to T.Y. Hilton with 28.

For as impressive as his regular season numbers consistently are, it was Jones’ performance in the postseason that solidified his superstar status.

Jones recorded six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown during Atlanta’s 36-20 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He followed with nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game, and had four receptions for 87 yards in Super Bowl LI.

Injuries have been an issue during Jones’ six-year career, but when he’s healthy, one could make a powerful case that he’s the best wide receiver in the NFL.

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