Julio Jones stakes claim as league’s top receiver in 2020

Michael Thomas earned his second consecutive First-Team All-Pro nomination this past season. The 27-year-old also won the Offensive Player of the Year award, leading the NFL in receptions and receiving yards. However, Jones has his eyes set on reclaiming his title as the league’s best receiver.

Many players around the NFL still consider Jones its best receiver. ESPN compiled a series of ranking articles this summer where the website polled coaches, executives, players, and scouts about who they thought the top players at various positions were. Jones took the top spot among wide receivers.

Thomas finished second and Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins claimed third. Despite those two receivers earning First-Team All-Pro nods in both of the past two seasons, Jones claimed more than half of the first-place votes. It seems like league personnel and the media disagree on who the top receiver in the NFL is. The debate could come to a head this fall when Jones takes the field for his tenth season.

Jones seems primed for a 1,600-yard performance in 2020. He already crossed that threshold in 2015 and 2018, so we know it’s possible. Several factors point toward Jones and Atlanta’s offense experiencing renewed success this year.

Ryan posted the best years of his career in 2016 and 2018. However, he performed disappointingly in 2017 and 2019. The trend of up and down play actually extends as far back as 2012. Based on the past eight years, Ryan should put together a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign, which bodes well for Jones.

Ridley’s emergence as a legitimate No. 2 option and Gurley assuming Devonta Freeman’s responsibilities also adds a new layer to Atlanta’s supporting cast.

Assuming everyone stays healthy, Jones will make around 110 receptions for 1,600 yards and eight touchdowns in 2020.