PFF list of 50 best NFL players includes 3 former Alabama standouts

Three former Alabama football standouts made PFF’s list of top 50 best players in the NFL for 2021. So who are they?

35. WR Julio Jones, Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) stretches during practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / The Tennessean

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PFF’s take: Injuries have become a bigger issue in recent years, but when Jones is on the field, he is still an elite receiver who could make a good argument that he is the match of anybody in the NFL at his position.

He may have come away with only 771 yards in 2020, but he was fourth in the NFL in yards per route run — 2.60, a fraction away from being ranked second — and he still generated a passer rating of 131.5 when targeted. The new Tennessee Titan is still the best blend of size, speed, athleticism and technique in the league, and the only question is whether he still has the durability to be ranked at the very top of the list.

Our take: Yes, Julio is getting older now that he’s 32 (about to be 33) years old. But when he’s on the field, he’s still one of the best wide receivers in the league. PFF has him checking in as the No. 5 player at his position, which I feel is about right considering his struggles to stay healthy in 2020. Now that he’s in Nashville, we’ll see if he can continue to be a No. 1 opposite A.J. Brown.

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