Can Greg Little be better than Julio Jones?
Who knows?
Some clueless Browns fans were upset that the Browns passed on Julio Jones and took the incredible trade offer from Atlanta. Jones may turn out to be a great receiver, but the main reason Jones was rated so highly has to do with his physical skills. He comes from a high-profile program and he wowed scouts at the combine. That said, Jones has a problem at times catching the football (like Braylon Edwards) and he didn’t exactly rack up big stats at Alabama.
With one of the extra picks the Browns received from Atlanta, they selected North Carolina wide receiver Greg Little in the second round. Take a look at the photo above. This guys looks just as imposing as Julio Jones.
Let’s compare the two. Both are big receivers. Jones is 6′ 3″ and 220 pounds, while Little is 6′ 2″ and 230 pounds. Jones has more speed according to his 40 time, though many argue that he didn’t display that speed on the football field. Meanwhile, Little is the strongest receiver in the draft. Both can excel in a West Coast offense where receivers get the chance to run after the catch. Little used to be a running back, so he’s hard to bring down. He also has an amazing vertical leap so he’ll be an asset in the red zone.
Yet when you read the scouting reports, the issue of “ball skills” runs in favor of Little.
Here’s the Scouts, Inc report on Jones:
Flashes strong hands and makes some spectacular catches. Shows the ability to contort his body and adjust to poorly thrown ball. Shows excellent awareness and body control along sidelines. Does a nice job of timing leaps when attacking the jump ball. However, he drops more ‘catchable’ balls than he should. He occasionally will allow ball into frame on occasion. Also will suffer from some focus drops. Needs to be more consistent in this area.
Now read what they say about Little:
Possesses strong and natural mitts. Catches the ball with hands and rarely lets ball into frame. Adequate sized hands (9 1/8′) and arms (33 ΒΌ’). Body control is above-average and can consistently pull in ball thrown outside of frame. Also flashes ability to elevate, fully extend and bring in acrobatic grab (See 1st QTR Pitt 2009). Tracks the deep ball well and flashes ability to pull in over the shoulder catch.
While Jones is more spectacular, Little is rated much higher by scouts when it comes to catching the football – something that’s quite important for a receiver!
This comparison highlights why the Browns had to make the trade with Atlanta. More picks give you more chances to strike gold.
Little fell to the second round because he took some improper benefits at North Carolina and was suspended for a season. But if you look at his skills, he has the potential to be as good or better than Jones. It will be fun to see how this plays out.
Posted in: Cleveland Browns
Tags: Braylon Edwards, Greg Little, Julio Jones, Julio Jones vs Greg Little
Looks like TO but it sounds like he’s got better hands. Unfortunately, it also sounds like he’s got some of TO’s diva syndrome. Hopefully the team can keep him in line because he sure looks like he could be a stud.
Little might be the steal of the draft! Physically he is a freak and with the new coaching staff he could help the Browns go all the way….
Here are my thoughts:
– I agree that the Browns had to make this trade. It was too good to pass up. They essentially got two drafts worth of picks from the Falcons, who offered that same package to Cincinnati for the No. 4 overall pick. The Browns got incredible value – they did well there.
– I like both players and Little may wind up being a steal in the second round. That said, this comparison seems totally one-sided.
Little didn’t face much press coverage at UNC and he isn’t a natural route runner, which obviously is important for receivers as well. I agree – his hands are better. He’s a more naturally-gifted pass catcher than Jones is. But he’s also not as polished at this point and the kid better be willing to work on getting in and out of his breaks because he’s not going to face ACC corners in the NFL.
As of right now, I’m sorry – there is no comparison. Jones is a blue-chip prospect and as far as his hands go: Roddy White had an issue with his hands when he first came into the league, too. Now he’s a top 5 receiver. Jones needs to do a better job holding onto the football but he’s a natural route-runner and he’s skilled finding soft spots in zones. Nick Saban also raved about his work ethic and b/c of his size, acceleration and power, he’s going to make plays vertically and when the ball is in the air. Don’t forget how good of a blocker he is too, which is big for the WCO.
You know what? I love what both teams did here. The Browns had many needs heading into the draft and they filled three spots in their first three picks. Without that trade, they wouldn’t have been able to do that. But the Falcons are built to win now and give them credit for having the balls to go up and get an impact player.
The trade was a rape job but while everyone agrees that they gave up too much, what would have been the appropriate trade package to go from No. 27 all the way up to No. 6? Everyone says it was too much, then what would have been just right? They gave up two firsts, two fourths and a second. What would have been fine? Two firsts, two fourths and a third? Two firsts, one second and one fourth? No matter what, they were giving up their first this year and next year, which is the key to this trade. I mean come on – they went from No. 27 to No. 6! You have to pay the price, which the Falcons did and the Browns did right to accept.