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There have been so many great wide receivers in NFL history. Even if an analyst was putting together a list of just the greatest receivers of the 21st Century, it would be challenging to pick the very best one.
But when asked while appearing on Join the Lobby hosted by Faze Swagg & Matcrackz, Los Angeles Rams 2023 second-team All-Pro wideout Puka Nacua left little doubt -- hit favorite receiver, and the one everyone at the position should try and emulate, is former Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones.
"He's my favorite. The perfect mixture of size and speed," Nacua said. "He could run every route at his size. I think he kind of rotated between playing X and Z, but something about him.
"That should be the prototype for every wide receiver. Like, if you want to have a wide receiver body, it should look like Julio Jones."
Nacua added that if the Falcons held on to defeat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl during Feb. 2017, Jones would have won MVP.
"He was ballin' in that game," said Nacua.
Jones actually only had four targets in that Super Bowl matchup, which was something he vented about on an episode of his podcast during the first week of June.
But with his four opportunities, Jones had four catches for 87 yards. His most impressive reception was a 27-yard toe drag along the sideline on second-and-8 with about five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The reception set the Falcons up in field-goal range with an eight-point lead.
Falcons fans, though, know how the game ended.
Jones and the Falcons lost their chance at a championship. But Jones didn't need a ring to solidify his place among the receiving greats.
From 2012-19, the Falcons receiver was arguably the greatest in the game. During that eight-year span, Jones made first-team All-Pro twice, led the NFL in receiving yards twice and was first in catches during 2015. He averaged nearly 1,400 receiving yards and 93 catches with six touchdowns per season.
Jones finished his career with 914 catches, 13,703 receiving yards and 66 touchdowns. He's arguably the greatest player in Falcons history.
Nacua would argue all of that success came from his incredible mixture of size and speed. If NFL head coaches could create a receiver in a lab, he would come out as Julio Jones.
More must-reads:
- Bengals star is growing frustrated with team's unresolved disputes
- Cowboys' George Pickens takes shot at Steelers at start of training camp
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
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Notes from Cowboys' second training camp practice: Schottenheimer threatens to kick out players, Pickens injury scare
Dallas Cowboys' training camp practice No. 2 is in the books so let's cut to the chase on this one and get right into the biggest moments. From head coach Brian Schottenheimer cutting a fight short and threatening to kick out players to a tough injury scare, there's a lot to get to. A lot of Kenneth Murray with the starting lineup In many of the clips coming from Oxnard, California, free agent signing Kenneth Murray keeps popping up with the first-team defense. He certainly looks like a potential starter at linebacker, where Jack Sanborn and Marist Liufau are also competing for starting roles. Though Sanborn has been talked about as the middle linebacker, Brian Schottenheimer said Murray has also worn the green dot denoting a player with comms with the coaching staff. "What I’m finding, now that I’m getting to know (Murray. . .) is the leadership he possesses," Schottenheimer said Wednesday. "He’s a grown-ass man out there. He takes charge. He makes a lot of the checks, he’s very smart, and he’s wearing the green dot for us in a lot of the things we’re doing." Brian Schottenheimer threatens to kick out players from practice Safety Markquese Bell, cornerback Troy Pride, and tight end Tyler Neville got into a scrap early during team periods, and the Cowboys head coach took the opportunity to send a message to his players. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, "Brian Schottenheimer called the team together and read them the riot act, threatening to kick player out of practice with the next fight." In the clip below from Nick Harris (Forth Worth Star-Telegram), Schottenheimer is heard saying: "I don't know what happened, I don't give a (expletive)." George Pickens' injury scare George Pickens went down as he attempted to catch a target during practice. Reports from Oxnard indicated it was a cramp. Fortunately, Pickens appeared fine after practice as he finished the day on the catching machines and jogged off the field. Joe Milton's 'touch pass' to Brevyn Spann-Ford Everyone knows about Joe Milton's bazooka arm but what to stay around the NFL for a long while, he'll have to show better accuracy and touch than what he showed with the Tennessee Vols. Though he needs to do it many more times, one play turned heads at camp: A play-action shot to TE Brevyn Spann-Ford that flew over linebacker Buddy Johnson. Later in practice, Milton fired a deep shot that missed WR Jonathan Mingo. The arm talent is there—and it's one of the best in the league—he just needs the touch to come consistently.
Maple Leafs continue to play moneyball: Three big names in play
With Mitch Marner’s move to the Vegas Golden Knights closing a major chapter in Toronto, GM Brad Treliving made a series of moves to replace his production. He might not be done. Three may be even bolder moves on the horizon. We’ve heard the names Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf before. However, the Maple Leafs are actively fielding and exploring trade scenarios as they look to reshape their roster — and according to Nick Kypreos, a handful of intriguing names are emerging in trade chatter: Morgan Rielly, Brandon Carlo, and former Leafs fan-favorite Nazem Kadri. The most surprising name still generating buzz is Rielly. Despite being a longtime cornerstone on Toronto’s blue line, his $7.5 million cap hit and no-move clause complicate matters. Yet with the team needing help up front, and possible interest in offensive defensemen like Pittsburgh’s Erik Karlsson, Rielly could become part of a larger plan if he’s open to waiving. Also surprising is the talk surrounding Carlo. A recent addition to the Leafs’ defense corps, he is already being talked about behind the scenes as a potential trade piece. If he were made available, there is interest around the league, as the 6-foot-6 shutdown defender has a team-friendly cap hit and strong penalty-killing ability. Trading Carlo could get the Leafs a top-six forward. Finally, reports on the availability of Kadri remain conflicting. Some say he’s not available, while others suggest that the Calgary Flames would consider the idea. The former Maple Leaf would be a welcome addition back to Toronto, but there isn’t much of a reason for the Flames to trade him unless the return is outstanding. Kadri reportedly would consider waiving his no-move clause for a reunion. That said, getting a deal done won’t be easy, especially with Montreal also rumored to be on his short list. Whether any of these deals come to pass or are just pure speculation, one thing’s sure: the Maple Leafs aren’t standing still. Treliving is trying to get his roster to score more goals. He seems willing to entertain any idea and play Moneyball with the roster if it will help.
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
The Chicago Blackhawks, a crowded goaltending situation and trade rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers have fans wondering if the Stars' rivals could soon upgrade their crease before training camp. With training camp approaching, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson has five goalies under contract, including Spencer Knight, Arvid Soderblom, Drew Commesso, newly signed Stanislav Berezhnoy, and veteran Laurent Brossoit. Only two NHL roster spots are available, which has fueled speculation that Brossoit could be moved to a contender, with Edmonton emerging as a leading candidate. For Stars fans, seeing the Oilers potentially bolster their crease should raise eyebrows. Edmonton, fresh off a deep playoff run, is looking to avoid the same issues that hurt them late in the postseason. "The Blackhawks have too many goalies and not enough spots, and Brossoit's contract and experience make him a natural trade chip for a team like the Oilers."-Julien Trekker Chicago's goalie logjam and Berezhnoy's recent signing are detailed further at NHL.com. Dallas could see its rival upgrade as Blackhawks explore trading Laurent Brossoit Brossoit, 32, carries a $3.3 million cap hit for one more season. Drafted by Calgary in 2011, he's appeared in 140 NHL games, including time with Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Vegas, where he helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023. While Chicago decides, Drew Commesso continues to push for NHL time after posting a .911 save percentage over 39 AHL games. For a deeper look at Commesso's performance, his full profile is on Elite Prospects. I think if Edmonton lands Brossoit or even Commesso, Dallas may have to plan around a deeper Oilers team come playoff time, especially given how tight the Western race looks on paper.
Steelers Place Starter on Non-Football Injury List
During his first media availability of training camp, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided an injury update on one of the team's starting offensive lineman. Per Tomlin, left guard Isaac Seumalo is currently on the Steelers' Active/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list with a soft tissue injury that's limiting his availability for the time being. There's currently no clear timetable for when Seumalo may return to action for Pittsburgh. Players can be activated off the NFI list at any time during training camp, though they must miss at least four games if they remain on it once the regular season rolls around. Spencer Anderson, who is entering his third year with the Steelers, is now expected to earn some early first-team reps at left guard in Seumalo's absence. Anderson played in all 17 games for the team last year and made four starts. Seumalo, who signed a three-year deal worth $24 million with Pittsburgh as a free agent ahead of the 2023 campaign, played in all 17 games during his first year with the team. He missed the initial four contests of the 2024 season, however, after suffering a pectoral injury during a late August practice. Seumalo would return in Week 5 and suit up for the Steelers' remaining 13 games, earning a Pro Bowl nod along the way. Seumalo spent the first seven years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles after they selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
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