Patriots: Projecting NFL power rankings if Pats trade for Julio Jones
By Jerry Trotta
The New England Patriots-Julio Jones buzz seems to grow louder with each passing day, and a report from Dianna Russini of ESPN suggests a trade for the Falcons superstar could go down as early as this week.
Whether Jones lands with the Patriots remains to be seen, but it seems like fans will have their answer sooner rather than later.
This timeline aligns perfectly with the upcoming deadline, as the Falcons can save $15 million by trading him after June 1.
When you consider the only reason Atlanta is shopping Jones is because they’re right up against the cap, that $15 million could be used to sign their incoming draft class and potentially address positions of need on the defensive side of the ball.
In any event, a trade for Jones would significantly increase the Patriots’ chances of returning to the playoffs. It might even see them ascend up the power rankings in the loaded AFC, which had eight teams post double-digit wins last season.
That got us thinking: where would the Patriots rank among the NFL’s elite if they were to acquire the seven-time Pro Bowler?
The Atlanta Falcons have discussed several trade offers for Julio Jones, including an offer for a future first round draft pick, per sources.
— Dianna Russini 🏈 (@diannaESPN) May 27, 2021
There is a sense around the league a trade could go down as early as next week.
Patriots: NFL power rankings after Julio Jones trade
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Buffalo Bills
- Los Angeles Rams
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
Full disclosure: It was a toss-up between the Patriots, Steelers, Dolphins, and Seahawks for the No. 10 spot. Rank them however you please. In our eyes, the acquisition of Jones gives New England, which has superior coaching and at least as good (if not better) a defense as those teams, the edge.
After all, receiver is really the only position on the roster where the Patriots don’t have premium talent. Trading for Jones means Cam Newton (and eventually Mac Jones) will be throwing to Jones, Kendrick Bourne, Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry AND Jonnu Smith.
That’s a ridiculous improvement compared to last season, where Newton’s top options were Meyers, an injured Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry and James White. Let’s not forget the Patriots might as well have not even had a tight end on the roster in 2020, too.
Getting beyond that, White is as dynamic of a pass catcher as any running back in the league and the Patriots should have a strong rushing attack led by Damien Harris, Sony Michel and fourth-round pick Rhamondre Stevenson after they ranked fourth in rushing yards per game last year.
As we watch Titans players fiercely recruit Julio Jones on social media, I was told Atlanta has actually had discussions with Tennessee.
— Dianna Russini 🏈 (@diannaESPN) May 27, 2021
As of now, they are still talking but I was told this “is a long shot” for the Titans to land Jones.
Even if Stevenson is eased in as a rookie, Harris and Michel combined to log 5.4 yards per carry over 216 rushes, so they’ll be able to carry the backfield load regardless.
Throw in all the additions New England made on defense this offseason, and you’ll realize just how balanced their roster is. It goes without saying their success will ride on the shoulders of Newton and Mac Jones, but as long as they play up to snuff, the Patriots should definitely be considered a top 10 team next season.
