Atlanta Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff goes against 'The Patriot Way' with Julio Jones

[Swift Is a Die Hard]

Dimitroff’s un-Belichickian move: No one is questioning Julio Jones’ ability as a wide receiver. There’s a legitimate argument to be made that the Alabama product will end up being the best receiver in a class that includes the hugely hyped A.J. Green. But the ransom – two first-round picks, two seconds, and two fourths -- to get him was quite stunning. This is even more shocking considering that Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff served under Bill Belichick, who is known to trade down for multiple picks, for six seasons as the Patriots director of college scouting. It’s always interesting to see how these guys operate once they branch out on their own. Jones will also now have to elevate himself to superstar-status to not be considered a disappointment.

“You never know what another team is thinking of a player,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “There were obviously some teams that felt strongly about a player – Atlanta – and traded up to get players that they felt that strongly about.



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