Not only does early separation come in handy when stopping the clock during two-minute drills or on third-and-short situations; but Jones can use that space to gain yards after the catch from running slants and quick screens. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . But he needs to run a fast 40-yard dash and show crisp route-running to catch the eye of a team searching for a late-round pick. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). Weve already discussed how the New Orleans Saints hiring wide receivers coach Kodi Burns may help give them an inside track on some prospects in the 2022 NFL draft, but one player to note in particular is Tennessee Volunteers wideout Velus Jones Jr. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. He led the SEC in punt return average (15.1) and ranked second in both kick return average (26.2 yards) and all-purpose yards per game (132.5). Great speed. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. He struggles to catch balls outside of his frame or when contested in traffic, and he even shows some discomfort finding the ball in clean scenarios from time to time. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. As things continue to deteriorate between All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel and the 49ers, the team is doing its due diligence on draft prospects.Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. met with the 49ers . So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. When Jones lines up with another receiver on his side of the field (22 and 31 formations), we should expect him to spread the field with his speed using concepts. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. He thrived in the no-huddle offense where he was primarily running routes out of the slot. Velus Jones Jr. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. Please play responsibly. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 2/3/22 - Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. was asked about the connections he's built at the Senior Bowl, "All the quarterbacks, we go through all the plays together, we're building . As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. Zebra Technologies tracking found that he was consistently one of the fastest players in practices during the week, and hes put enough work into refining his routes to compete at the pro level. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Jones, who will be 25 years old when the 2022 season begins, is lightning quick (4.31 40 at the combine) and will help in the return game. -Kiper, Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports): No. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. John Amis/AP. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Void in ONT. In his six years yes, six years Jones recorded almost 3,000 kick return yards while attending both USC (2016-2019) and Tennessee (2020-2021). Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. But whats interesting is that Jones didnt hit his stride until Burns started coaching him; in his first 46 games, most of them at USC, he totaled just 58 receptions for 627 yards and 4 touchdowns. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. With Jones turning 25 years old at start of the 2022 NFL season, there are some concerns within the draft community on how much he could actually improve after getting to the next level. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. The Bears have wide receivers Mooney, Chase Claypool, Equanimeous St. Brown and Velus Jones Jr. set to return, but they certainly would benefit from adding bigger names than their low-cost . Tennessee wide receiver/return specialist Velus Jones Jr. is working out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in hopes of convincing a team to draft him.. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 . Jones was under-the-radar until last season, which makes him more intriguing as an NFL prospect, thought it probably means a late pick on day two or even day three. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Velus Jones Jr. leads team in receiving yards in Week 16 Velus Jones Jr. hauled in two of four targets for 52 receiving yards in the Bears' 35-13 Week 16 loss to the Bills. tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. speak with the media in the locker room following the Bears' Week 18 loss to . Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Kyle Lowry headline NBA injury report for Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Penn State vs. Northwestern on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for No. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Feb 28, 2023 . In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. Eligibility restrictions apply. In the latter rounds of fantasy, where we are betting on profiles and talent, Jones makes sense as a player who will make the 53-man roster. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. Check out his YAC from the 2021 season: Best Draft WRs after the catch pic.twitter.com/A46NWLmVR3, No Flags Film (@NoFlagsFilm) March 30, 2022. He led the SEC in kick return average (26.2 yards) and punt return average (15.1) and ranked third in all-purpose yards per game (132.5). There is a path where he turns into the next Van Jefferson, as long as we see a marked improvement in his route running to get him to a similar level. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. He was clocked as the second-fastest offensive player at the Senior Bowl, according to Zebra Technology, which measures players speed in pads in live action. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. Comfortable running vertical routes. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. A lot more. Jones also showed an ability to control his body on the sidelines and get his feet in bounds, staying cognizant of where he is in relation to the sidelines. Pro Football Network, LLC. . Velus Jones Jr. is more of a return specialist than a wide receiver right now, but speed like his will always be a premium in the NFL. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. Tennessee football 's Velus Jones Jr. was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. But once Josh Heupel was hired as the Head Coach, in 2021, and then brought in Kelsey Pope to be the wide receivers coach, Jones took off. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. Over the next month, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2022 NFL draft. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. Crazy timed speed. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. As a returner he is elite and will likely make an impact early, however, he is somewhat limited as a wide receiver where he is very raw and only really offers anything as a deep threat and as a speed threat in the screen game. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Old prospect whos already 25. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Too bad they did so by investing in an older prospect, one whose primary function coming into the league will likely be as a returner. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? Jones' speed and yards-after-catch potential are worth trying to develop at wide receiver, though that may be a longshot for someone set to be 25-years-old as a rookie. The issue is we dont know how long this will take, nor how long a team is willing to wait for this improvement to come. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). All rights reserved. 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