Falcons' Ridley: 'People don't really know how good' Julio Jones is
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley seems to have learned more about the talent of star teammate Julio Jones in approximately three months than most fans who've been watching the two-time All-Pro over the past seven seasons.
"(Everyone) knows Julio is really good. But people don't really know how good he is," Ridley said Monday, according to Kelsey Conway of AtlantaFalcons.com. "He's so detailed. He knows everything ... he's like a coach. He coaches me on everything. Even if I do it right, he's still going to coach me. It's like having another coach on the field. He's watching everything."
Jones' tutelage seems to have already paid dividends for the 26th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Four days into practices, Ridley has already noticed big improvements in his own game.
"Timing's getting better," he said. "I'm getting better in my details and my routes, and I'm getting to the right spots. I'm getting a lot more confident in myself."
Jones had skipped the Falcons' organized team activities and mandatory minicamp this offseason, but Ridley later shared a picture to social media of the two at quarterback Matt Ryan's player workouts. The five-time Pro Bowler agreed to a revised contract with the Falcons in time for training camp.
The seven-year veteran has totaled 585 receptions for 9,054 yards and 43 touchdowns in 95 games since being selected sixth overall in the 2011 draft.