A.J. Green and Julio Jones have had a wide receiver rivalry foisted upon themselves based on their simultaneous hyped recruitment, the conference they play in, the proximity of their schools, and their somewhat similar play styles. The 2011 NFL Draft process has continued the rivalry that neither of them asked for, with the NFL Combine serving as a battleground.
Green impressed with an unofficial 4.48 40-yard dash time, a very decent showing for a taller wide receiver and one of the best of the Combine so far. Jones, nine pounds heavier, followed up shortly after with an unofficial 4.43 that turned out to be a 4.39. Some found Jones’ media interview session to be more impressive than Green’s as well.
4.39!
Buzz is starting to grow that Jones could supplant Green as the first wide receiver off the board, at least in mock drafts. In a made-up rivalry that neither player asked to be a part of, this round could be going to Jones.