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If all goes well in 2015 training camp, Julio Jones could be primed for the best year of his career yet. With the Atlanta Falcons‘ offense now under Kyle Shanahan, Jones is likely to tear up the field. Shanahan is known for his propensity to put an intense focus on one receiver, and it seems inevitable that with a good training camp and the right relationships developing, Jones will be that guy for him.
The amount of targets that Jones gets under Shanahan should be a monster of a statistic. While a case could be made that he is the best receiver in the NFL, the only thing that will slow him down in 2015 is himself.
Entering 2015 training camp, staff and Jones must focus heavily on his health. The inability to stay healthy and stay on the field for all 16 games of the season has plagued the Falcons and haunted Jones. Emphasis must be put on this during training camp. A healthy Jones could be the difference between a December season end and the playoffs for the Falcons, entwined in the weak NFC South.
While Jones is an excellent route runner, he also comes with another vital skill: blocking. While the ability to block makes him one of the more versatile receivers in the NFL, it can also be his downfall. Jones and the training staff need to work on drills that will polish his ability to protect himself both in blocking situations and in areas of high coverage.
Jones has proven to be an explosive and selfless asset to the Falcons during his career with them. He has made it clear that he plans to attend camp with or without a new deal, showing that his work ethic and team morale is as strong as his talent at wide receiver.
Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the Falcons owe it to Jones to get him the proper tools to stay healthy, and the proper money to stay a part of the team.
Stay tuned to watch the future of Jones unfold with the Falcons.
Kelsey Kay is a San Francisco 49ers analyst for Rant Sports. Follow her on Twitter @kelseyykayyy, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
