Nick Saban has helped produce elite wide receiver talent to enter the NFL by way of the University of Alabama. Names like Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and others are seen as some bright stars in the league. Two that have made their presence felt as a duo are Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.
NFL.com’s David Carr ranked his top-five wide receiver duos in the NFL. Topping his list is the former Alabama pair on the Atlanta Falcons, Jones and Ridley.
Here’s what Carr had to say:
“I can’t say enough about Julio Jones’ dominance over the last six seasons. Since 2014, Jones has 623 receptions and 9,388 receiving yards (both most in the NFL), and he’s posted six consecutive seasons with at least 1,300 receiving yards, which ties Torry Holt for the longest such streak in NFL history. He can do it all even when double- or triple-teamed, which he often is, providing Matt Ryan a reliable target in tight windows. The one knock against Jones over the last few seasons has been his relative lack of touchdown production, an area in which Ridley has excelled, logging 17 TD receptions in his first two seasons. The third-year pro, who thrives after the catch and has improved his route running, is hungrier than ever to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time. He can accomplish that feat with Jones garnering so much attention from defenses. After ranking fourth in receiving yards among WR duos last season, Jones and Ridley are poised to climb the ladder in 2020.”
The two wide receivers set the Falcons apart from other teams, it’s rare for. quarterback to have two receivers that would be at the top of the depth chart on most other teams.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Jones and Ridley as the start of the 2020 season approaches.