From General Manager Dustin Maul: With the 10th pick in the 2011 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Washington Redskins select WR, Julio Jones, Alabama.
With the defense being ranked 31st overall (second to last.) Our initial goal was to to draft defense in the first round. However literally everyone of our defensive targets were off the board when we were ready to make our selection.
All of us within the Redskins organization came away from the combine very impressed with Julio Jones. After his spectacular showing at the combine, he skyrocketed atop our big board. The fact that he did what he did with a fractured foot made it all the more impressive. That is why when it was our turn to select we knew that we could not pass up on such a dynamic WR. Whoever the QB will be next year, whether it be Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, or someone else, they will love throwing to this young man.
Here is what Head Coach/General Manager Mike Shannahan had to say about Julio, "He is a fine young Receiver whose skill set somewhat remind me of a Larry Fitzgerald. He has that rare leaping ability that will make him a force in this league for many years. Also, he is one of the toughest men I have ever met. After the combine we had him out for dinner. It was there that he confessed that during his combine drills, he was performing on a fractured foot. I could not believe what I was hearing, to do all of that on a fractured foot is...unbelievable. You can never have too many players like that on your team. I had the pleasure of coaching a WR with a similar toughness in Rod Smith. All in all we are very excited about the future of this young man. We look forward to winning many games as well as championships together."
From the Commish
Sayre: Interesting for this to have happened three years in a row. While last year Dez Bryant seemed to be a clear lock to be the first receiver taken a year ago, the Broncos selected Demaryius Thomas as the first wide-out off the board. The year before, the Oakland Raiders took Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree, a moved that shocked the draft world. Now, the Redskins and Mike Shanahan pass on AJ Green and take Julio Jones. I can't say I'm surprised, because three makes it a trend.
Jones is a good receiver with excellent size and speed. He would be a fine addition to any offense.
