Julio Jones

When Jones announced he was leaving Alabama in January, he was perceived as a power receiver whose niche in the NFL would be as a chain-moving possession target with particular upside in the red zone based on a history of manhandling smaller defensive backs. Then he lit up the scouting combine. Jones had been expected to time in the 4.5-second range, but blazed across the FieldTurf at Lucas Oil Stadium with a time of 4.34, bested by only three players in this draft class -- Miami (Fla.) cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (4.25), Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmond Gates (4.31) and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson (4.31). The workout cemented a top-10 overall ranking by NFLDraftScout.com, and scouts were even more complimentary after learning Jones completed his workout with a fractured foot. He also played with a broken hand at Alabama. Even if his stopwatch speed is questioned because he didn't show the same elite second gear on the field at Alabama, Jones could be the most complete receiver in the draft, comparing himself to Hines Ward and his on-field demeanor and passion to Ray Lewis. "I have a defensive mentality," Jones said. "I'm not scared to hit. I'm a physical guy. I look for that. I like to hit defensive players because they're not used to getting hit. They're used to hitting offensive players and getting them out of their comfort zone." Alabama's offense was decidedly run-centric, suiting the principals of coach Nick Saban and the dynamic running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. While his statistics don't glimmer as they might have if he'd gone to Oklahoma -- the Alabama native's second choice coming out of high school -- being schooled by Saban and in an NFL-style offense readied him for the next level. "I played in a pro-set at Alabama," Jones said. "They taught me a lot, how to block and everything else. Played West Coast in high school I'm pretty versatile." Jones' foot injury prevented him from conducting private workouts, which limited teams from finding out how precisely he can fit in their offensive system with on-field route-running and on-the-fly defensive recognition. Even with his rare physicality and size, teams want to be assured that a history of drops won't be a long-term issue in the NFL. "My hands were never an issue," he said. "I sometimes try to play too fast." If Jones "plays fast" he'll be an instant hit.

after the catch

Among his better areas. Runs with a long stride but also possesses good agility to elude defenders in open quarters and the acceleration to run away from defenders. Rare strength to break free of tackles and gain yardage after the catch. Good vision to set up his blocks downfield due to experience as kick and punt returner.

route running

Made his biggest gains in this area as a junior. Improved consistency with his route-running. Doesn't possess elite speed or the explosion out of his cuts, but has learned to sink his hips and plant firmly to generate improved separation on short and intermediate routes. Is able to get away with less than ideal route-running due to his size and physicality. Much stronger than most collegiate receivers and won't be pushed around by NFL defensive backs. Deceptive deep speed to challenge over the top.

intangibles

Proved his toughness by playing through various injuries over his career, including a broken hand in 2010. Highly decorated prep athlete rated the No. 1 overall prospect in the country by some scouting organizations. Involved with several local community service projects including the Santa America Foundation and local Optimist International club.

hands

Inconsistent. Drops too many passes due to a lack of concentration - usually when he's trying to make a defender miss before wrapping the ball up securely. Isn't a consistent "hands" catcher and allows too many passes into his pads, resulting in drops. Flashes the ability to extend and make the highlight-reel reception. Willing to run routes across the middle and take a big hit to make the catch.

release

Good initial burst off the line of scrimmage. Long-strider with good build-up speed to eat up the cushion against corners playing off-man coverage. Excellent size and strength to defeat press coverage. Good use of hands to ward off defenders and has enough lateral agility and burst off the line to gain an immediate advantage.

compares to

David Boston, ex-Cardinals, Chargers -- Jones has enough deep speed to make plays downfield with the size, intensity and strength to overwhelm defensive backs as a run-blocker and possession receiver.

blocking

Among the better downfield blockers of the 2011 receiver class. Good size, strength and competitiveness. Keeps his head on a swivel and looks to help his teammates.

Combine: 4.34 40-yard dash; 17 reps at 225 pounds; 38 1/2-inch vertical; 11'3" broad jump; 4.25 short shuttle; 6.66-cone drill.

He was a Parade All-American

USA Today All-American

ranked the No.1 overall player in the country by Sports Illustrated/Takkle.com

nation's No. 2 overall prospect by ESPN

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Top 150 (No. 2)

SuperPrep's No. 1 wide receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect overall

ESPN.com Top 150

The Mobile Press-Register's Super 120 Team (No. 1)

"Mr. Football" in the state of Alabama

named to The Tampa Tribune's "Best of the South Team"

SouthScout.com Stars of Alabama selection

Gatorade Player of the Year (Alabama)

an EA Sports first-team All-American

Prep Nation 101 Honoree

named to The Mobile Press-Register's Elite 18 Team (No. 1)

five-star wide receiver by Scout.com

rated as No. 1 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com

the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation and the top prospect in the Alabama Top 35 list by Rivals.com

also called by Rivals.com as the best wide receiver in the nation "after the catch"

rated as the No. 4 overall prospect in the nation on the Rivals.com Top 100

two-time All-American by Rivals.com (2006 and 2007)

Scout.com All-American selection

No. 2 player on the Scout.com Southeast 150 list. SuperPrep/Scout.com Top 30 Alabama selection (No. 1)

the No. 3 ranked overall player in the nation according to Tom Lemming of CSTV

Rivals.com writes of Jones "Really outstanding feet for a big man. He gets out of trouble when hemmed in. He has great acceleration and can run after the catch. He shows really good concentration on deep balls. Team can use him on reverses and short routes. Hard to tackle in the open field."

capped off high school career with six catches for 97 yards

two-time The Birmingham News and Alabama Sportswriters Association All-State selection

named to 2007 The Birmingham News' Super All-State Team

named to 2007 ASWA Super 12 All-State team

had 194 career catches for 3,287 yards and 43 touchdowns

also added three rushing touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns, two punt returns and two fumble returns for scores

scored 52 touchdowns in his prep career

set Foley school record for career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns

holds the top three single-season receiving records at Foley with 75 receptions (2006), 68 receptions (2007) and 51 catches (2005)

also holds single-season record with 1,301 yards in 2006. As senior, tallied 68 catches for 1,181 yards and 16 TDs

finished the year with 18 total TDs

led the Lions to a 12-1 record and a Region 2 title before losing to Prattville in state quarterfinals

hauled in a career-high 75 passes for 1,306 yards and 16 TDs as a junior

concluded the season with career-high 20 TDs

recorded 51 receptions for 805 yards and 12 TDs as sophomore in 2005

an outstanding track and field athlete

named 2006-07 Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year (Alabama)

community service projects include Santa America Foundation and local Optimist International club

coached by Todd Watson.