NEW ORLEANS -- Detroit Lions standout Calvin Johnson is viewed as the league's best receiver by nearly every NFL observer.

Well, everyone except Gil Brandt, a former NFL executive.

Brandt, who currently appears on SiriusXM NFL Radio, said Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones and Johnson are the league's top receivers. However, Brandt believes Jones is better than Johnson.

"Not to be flippant about it, but I think some people like strawberry ice cream and some people like vanilla. They're both pretty good," Brandt said. "Some like red heads and some like blondes. They're good. I think if you took 10 people, probably six of the 10 would take Johnson, and four, including myself, would take Julio Jones.

"I just think the whole package. I like Julio a little bit better than Johnson."

How can you say that when Johnson just broke Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's single-season receiving record?

"I think you have to say things when you feel that way," Brandt said. "I'm not saying Calvin Johnson is not a good player. You're asking me if I would rather have Don Shula or Tom Landry as my coach. You're not going to go wrong with either one, but you can only have one."

Brandt, former VP of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, believes statistics prove his argument.

Johnson had 1,964 receiving yards and five touchdowns this season compared to Jones' 1,198 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite the 766-yard differential, Brandt's assistant used STATS ICE to prove why Jones is better.

According to the website, Johnson dropped 11 passes compared to Jones' eight. Johnson dropped five passes on third-down compared to Jones' two. However, Johnson had 21 explosive plays (25-yards or more) compared to 14 for Jones.

"I think that 'A', Julio's got better hands," Brandt said. "I think that he's got stronger hands is what he has. I think he's a little more fluid than Johnson is. I think Johnson is faster. I think Johnson is just a little bit taller. Julio has less drops than Johnson."