2014 Fantasy Football Buy or Sell: WR Julio Jones

By Bill Pivetz
Julio Jones
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons had two of their wide receivers suffer from injuries throughout the season. Julio Jones played in just five games last year. With reports saying he is back to 100 percent, how high would you draft Jones in your fantasy draft?

Jones was on pace for career-high numbers. He had 41 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns in five games. At that pace, he would have finished with 1,856 yards and six touchdowns. Those stats would have tied him with Josh Gordon for first in fantasy points in ESPN standard-scoring leagues.

Jones is playing like he’s back in 2012. In the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, he caught a short pass and turned it into a 52-yard touchdown. He finished the game with two catches for 63 yards and a score. Jones has also increased in workout load during practice, which should give Falcons fans and fantasy owners a lot of confidence.

Entering the 2014 season, Jones looks ready for a prime season. Teammate Roddy White will turn 33 in November and is on the decline. The team no longer has tight end Tony Gonzalez to catch passes. He had no less than 70 catches in his five years with the Falcons. Those targets now free up and Jones will be the biggest benefactor.

Jones is a top-five talent and is being drafted as such. His current ADP of 21.6 (early third round) shows that owners are not afraid of the injury. With an upgraded offense line to protect Matt Ryan, I believe in Jones.

When he’s healthy, Jones is a superstar and is worth drafting as a No. 1 wide receiver.

Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports and ask him any fantasy question.

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