So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. John Amis/AP. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Dangerous in the open field. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. 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. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Jones has very high production after initial contact. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. (4%*), 121 (C) . However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Scouting Report: Summary. 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 . Copyright 2019-2023. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. 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. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. 1. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. 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. Void in ONT. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Fantasy Impact It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. The NFL . Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. PROMISES KEPT? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 11 Kansas State on Wednesday, March 1, Jalen Carter charged with misdemeanors in traffic death near Georgia campus, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Targets, Values for March 1. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. Cliccando su Accetta tutto accetti che Yahoo e i suoi partner possano trattare i tuoi dati personali e utilizzare tecnologie come i cookie per mostrarti annunci e contenuti personalizzati, per la misurazione degli annunci e dei contenuti, per l'analisi del pubblico e per lo sviluppo dei prodotti. Bears Senior Writer. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. 209) - 1. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Mocks. 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. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. That rings true both with and without the ball in his hands, making Jones as much of a deep threat as he is a yards-after-catch weapon. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Past. 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. 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. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Dati relativi al dispositivo e alla connessione a Internet, come l'indirizzo IP, Attivit di navigazione e di ricerca durante l'utilizzo dei siti web e delle app di Yahoo. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. . Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. 9 3/4 (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. Feb 28, 2023 . 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. 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 . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Route tree is limited right now. So why the sudden difference? Jones has real potential, but hed be best served competing with Deonte Harty and Marquez Callaway in the rotation behind Michael Thomas and a new starter. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. 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. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. His shocking 40 time (4.31) shot him up draft boards, but Jones remains unrefined and might need some touches schemed up, a la another former Tennessee star in Cordarrelle Patterson. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. 71 overall. For a team with limited resources, why spend a Day 2 pick on a soon-to-be 25-year-old rookie slot receiver with one year of production? He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. 71 overall . https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Listed at 6-foot . Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Comfortable running vertical routes. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). Pro Football Network, LLC. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. 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. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Velus Jones Jr . He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. All Rights Reserved. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. 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. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Not a route-running specialist. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). Of the Bears' 11 picks in the NFL Draft, ESPN analyst Todd McShay feels that third-round choice Velus Jones Jr., a receiver and return specialist from Tennessee, was their best selection. 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. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. Crazy timed speed. Velus Jones Jr. WR; Senior; 5-11, 204 lbs; Tennessee; Scouts Grade; Position Rank; Overall Rank; Arm Length 30-5/8" Hand Size 9-1/4" 40-YD Dash 4.31; Conference TBD; 2022 Draft Pick Info . Schedule; Podcast . Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. Drink it in. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Also, Tennessee brought him into the slot, which is where he projects in the NFL. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. 2 receiver in the Vols offense, ranking second on the team in receptions (62), receiving yards (807), and touchdown catches (7) while playing in all 13 games. In the rare instances he was asked to run other routes, Jones lacked the technique or sharp movement skills to get in and out of breaks comfortably. He was a 2019 All-Pac-12 performer as a return specialist and a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. 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 . Odds and lines subject to change. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Jones may not be ready to play offense out of the gate, but he can be a team's starting kick and punt returner instantly. DATABASE. The draft begins April 28. 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. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 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. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). 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. Alvin Kamara of course has been their most notable pickup from Rocky Top, but theyve also gotten great returns on undrafted free agent finds like Marquez Callaway and Shy Tuttle. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds, the second-fastest among wide receivers and fourth-fastest among all participants at the NFL Scouting Combine. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. 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. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. With the ball in his hands, Jones can weave smoothly in between traffic and shows off impressive contact balance for a receiver of average size. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. Listed at 6-foot-even and exactly 200 pounds, Jones broke out in 2021 during Burns first year at Tennessee after transferring from USC a season earlier. Jones will participate in drills at the combine during the NFL Network coverage of quarterbacks, tight ends and wide receivers from 4-11 p.m. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. With Nelson Agholor as the field stretcher and NKeal Harry, well, a disappointment, Jones could work on the interior in the slot and possibly fill role Jakobi Meyers role if he leaves as a restricted free agent. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Who will be under center? For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Big 12 Tourney offering enhanced experience to fans with school-specific treats, The conference tourney has put together a weeklong experience that includes a tailored menu with some interesting item, 2023 Fantasy Golf Picks Arnold Palmer Invitational Picks, Predictions, Preview, Sleepers. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. The best hope for Jones is to establish himself as a blue chip special teams player with the speed and physicality to be a solid role player in the passing game. Did he keep them? Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. Special with the ball in his hands. 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. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). 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. 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. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. Jones could fit the mold. His limitations in the passing game mean that he probably wont see the field much, but he could pull off a few big plays to help his team. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. General manager Ryan Poles opted to take a chance on Jones, who has blazing speed and has the potential to be dangerous in Luke Getsys offense. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. 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, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? The Bears did recognize their need for more speedy playmaking at wideout to complement Darnell Mooney and give Justin Fields a field-stretcher, but this is a bit of a head-scratcher for a mid Day 3 prospect. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. 0:43. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. How Jones projects as a wide receiver in the NFL is a bit of an unknown considering his modest offensive production throughout a college career that began in 2016 at USC and culminated in him catching 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns at Tennessee. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. 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). Even with the defender lined up seven yards off the line of scrimmage, Jones can still make a move without losing a step in-stride after coming out of his release. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . Very good body control and smooth movements. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. 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. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. The speed, hands, and body control are there, as is a willingness to play a bit nasty when blocking or giving a CB an extra pop at the whistle. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. Maybe Jones joins them. Velus Jones Jr. DeAndre Hopkins Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Keenan Allen Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Dalvin Cook Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, James Conner Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Alvin Kamara Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings. 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. A very old player who will be 25 by the time he takes the field in the NFL, Has a very limited route tree and the routes he did run were often rounded, Has had very limited production as a receiver throughout his college career - with the exception of 2021, Has only really played in the slot and has very little experience out wide, Not a great catch radius and his football IQ is not as high as you would like, Runs with a weird kind of stutter-step that makes his less fluid, Only offers an impact as a gadget player and a deep threat. Eligibility restrictions apply. After using their first two draft picks on defense, the Chicago Bears finally got quarterback Justin Fields a weapon in Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. with the 71st overall pick. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Sign up for the Touchdown Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, Georgia coach Kirby Smart reacted to charges against star DL Jalen Carter. Very rarely would you see him get width with his outside leg to sell a different angle and use a head/shoulder fake to get the DB to change their hips.