Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan just signed a huge contract extension and is full of optimism. It has him gushing about his teammate and one of his top receivers Julio Jones. They’ve just started training camp and Ryan says Jones already looks better.
“Man, he just continues to get better,” Ryan said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constituion. “He’s coming into his third year. I think he’s really starting to come into his own in terms of his confidence and understanding what we are doing offensively.”
Julio Jones was the second leading receiver behind Roddy White for the Falcons. He caught 79 passes for 1,198 yards. Improving upon those numbers would be incredible in the Falcons already potent offense. White had 1,351 yards receiving and tight end Tony Gonzalez was only 70 yards shy of 1,000 yards himself.
As much as improving his physical strength and abilities would help, it’s the mental changes that are elevating Jones’ play.
“When guys stop thinking out there and they just play, they change,” Ryan said. “He’s not thinking out there very much right now. He knows what he’s doing, and he’s going out there and he’s making plays. I think he is in a good spot.”
It could be a good year to take Jones in your fantasy draft.