Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. Bears Senior Writer. Crazy timed speed. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. A lot more. Plays fast and explosive. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . Top gear can separate from anyone. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. 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. 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. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Larry Mayer. 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 . Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. 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. The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. 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. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Mocks. 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). Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 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. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. 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. Did he keep them? https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Velus Jones Jr. saved the best of his college football career for last, and his excellent 2021 season now has the Tennessee wide receiver and return specialist in position to hear his name called . Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. 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. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 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. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. All Rights Reserved. Please check your email for a confirmation. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Needs to tighten up route running. (4%*), 121 (C) follow. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. DCS chief: Tenn. has stopped housing kids in offices in all but one county, How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. In our latest installment of scouting reports to help guide your fantasy football teams, we look at Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. What are Jones strengths and weaknesses, which teams could be potential landing spots for him in the NFL Draft, and what is his fantasy outlook? 71 overall . 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. It always goes down smooth. Copyright 2019-2023. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. . Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. . 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. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. 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. 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. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Willing to go up and attack the ball. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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 . Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. 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. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. 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. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. ET on Thursday. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 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. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. 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. 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, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. 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. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. All rights reserved. Though he can excel at both, Jones' build-up speed and weaving rushing style make him a great fit to return kicks from Day 1. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. He thrived in the no-huddle offense where he was primarily running routes out of the slot. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. The NFL . Take a shot on the speed of Jones in fantasy drafts and hope a team is patient enough to work through the growing pains at receiver. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. . NFL MOCK DRAFT. 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. 9 3/4 As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. As noted, Jones hands are great. 71 overall. 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 . Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. 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. We can make the argument that if he just landed in that scheme to begin with, he could have flourished; but hes only just now getting started. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine (67%*), 30 7/8 As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Feb 28, 2023 . Gambling Problem? The goal would be for Jones to build on this and earn trust and more snaps as he refines his game those snaps will lead to targets and, for us, fantasy points. 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. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . 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). Comfortable running vertical routes. 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. 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. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. Please play responsibly. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. (29%*), 74 2/8 In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. 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 . But its also why he has value as a returner. 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? In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. Any NFL quarterback would throw this ball as soon as they see the defensive back run a complete 360 degrees as his receiver is making his break. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. 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. Did he keep them? He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. Adding Jones gives their offense a boost of speed while also making life easier on Goff, allowing Jones to generate yards after the catch on passes of a shorter average depth of target (aDOT). But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. , Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy assuming Jones is viewed as more a. 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