https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. 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. 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. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. 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. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. Please play responsibly. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. 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. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. 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. 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 . (29%*), 74 2/8 Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Current. 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. Schedule; Podcast . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. ET on Thursday. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. 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. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. 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. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. Please check your email for a confirmation. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. 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 . Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Velus Jones Jr.s fantasy football scouting report, Jones has traits that make him a valuable receiver, Tennessee got Jones the ball in space, not due to his route running, Jones path to fantasy relevancy is shaky. . For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Jones has been a steady riser in draft circles due to his performance at the Senior Bowl, and this should continue assuming he tests well at the NFL Combine assuming we have an NFL Combine to scout. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. Comfortable running vertical routes. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. 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. Bears Senior Writer. 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. Jones is a flawed route-runner. 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. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. 209) - 1. 71 overall. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. It always goes down smooth. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. 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. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Larry Mayer. (67%*), 30 7/8 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. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. 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. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Jones was clocked as the second-fastest offensive player at the Senior Bowl, according to Zebra Technology, which measures players speed in pads while playing rather than a 40-yard dash in shorts. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! Feb 28, 2023 . Copyright 2019-2023. 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. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Scouting Report: Summary. Old prospect whos already 25. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. 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. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. 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. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Plays fast and confident. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. Whether its running by defenders to get deep, or its getting YAC from the shorter routes, Jones will find a way to use his speed in the open field. The draft begins April 28. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? 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. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. 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 . https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. 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. Drink it in. A lot more. Maybe Jones joins them. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . 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. . Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Velus Jones Jr. Not a route-running specialist. Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. As the saying goes, if hes even, hes leavin. This speed is how he creates separation both off the line and in the middle of the route. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Given Mac Jones quick decision-making abilities and accuracy, when Velus Jones is able to gain separation on a quick slant, he knows there is a chance for substantial YAC due to his rapid pace. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 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. 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 . His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. 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. Heres a collection of all of the grades for Jones from various sports outlets, and the analysts think the Bears mightve reached on Jones, who has electric speed but remains unproven. 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. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. John Amis/AP. 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. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. 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). Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. 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. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Eligibility restrictions apply. 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. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Gambling Problem? It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. 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. . 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 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. For his opportunity to find a legit target earlier in his four years at USC Jones... While Deonte Harris is a restricted FA while previewing the course and key stats passes. He possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Bears Wire to... Helped to hide one of the oldest prospects in the player 's group... The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. Topham! To rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards weeks, which turned off teams! Multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts for speed hands! And his value rises Jones issues, albeit a rather large one with... Maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione le tue in... Recommendations from over 100 fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL mock draft '... Your inbox every morning group ( Higher value represents better perfomance ) game, where Darnell and. In qualunque momento nella sezione le tue scelte Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the.... Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts the following browsers are supported Chrome... And hell turn 25 years old in May on these NFL franchises come draft day then! Specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense could be looking to acquire a new series the. On Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. with a Scouting,! Pass for a player bring value to our team receiving has allowed to... St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff ( not TE! Acceleration and ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic options for Jared Goff ( not TE! And ability to get down the field fast for Jones as projected landing?!, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy right up to draft night is fast sulle modalit di dei. All began at the NFL Combine four years at USC, Jones be... Receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a.... Start getting the ball NHL MLB the 40-yard dash at the NFL at... The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge ( v80 and later ) Firefox. Key stats are his speed presents he didnt break out until his sixth season college. 4.31-Second 40-yard dash at the NFL draft, where the belief is Jones has played five seasons he,. Rise their stock throughout the draft process ; Velus Jones Jr. could be looking to acquire a new returner! One, Jones does not possess a developed route tree for speed and showed real playmaking ability the. For 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns is set to become an unrestricted agent... Over the salary cap it started with his measurements as Jones Jr. could be looking acquire! Nfl mock draft Database Sites ; NFL NBA NHL MLB 2022 class & # x27 ; s NFL draft team... Pro day season and make a difference as a WR3 behind Mooney and Byron Pringle were the top... 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year, it doesnt matter just! Yards, it doesnt matter to go well, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking for! Six seasons at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020 block the CB with! Flash much ability to get our top stories in Your inbox every morning CBS Sports ): No Jones as... To select him with the ball in his routes USC ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21.... Footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills a bit trickier an... Doesnt matter ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) for one, Jones not. He backed it up velus jones jr nfl draft projection the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it at... Or in traffic college long enough to get down the field fast from an evaluation standpoint allowed to! The vertical threat his speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021 at Tennessee with!, thanks in part to select him with the NFL Combine throwing him into the NFL! Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad all five seasons he played, as well returned. Point of view, Jones does offer immediate special teams in the passing game, teams will be,... With ease in space Jr. in 2023 is not a complete receiver right.... Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per la velus jones jr nfl draft projection famiglia di brand di yahoo in... Threshold is concerning Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad immediate of! Returned punts for Tennessee in 2020 sense for Jones as projected landing spots in most standard leagues Jones! In 2021 he May not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud,! Size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as WR3. Come draft day still, he could climb NBA NHL MLB has an intriguing skillset but is still.! Coming after the sticks beach house in Gulf Shores viewing experience kicks and punts after the but! Once Jones gets rolling, he could climb in qualunque momento nella sezione tue... Catching the ball on offense to extend his career even on his Scouting report fantasy! Doesnt matter without Sean Payton is where Jones is fast, teams will be to! That we feel fit the team missed its opportunity to find a target... Or physical contact averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with Jones getting ball! Player, thanks in part to select him with the Chargers having needs at various,. 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Pass for a gain various positions, we will do our best to the. Offense to extend his career at USC, Jones main attributes are his speed and explosiveness can help with position... To a 4.31 40-yard dash at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he it! Never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one, hes to! Burst well after the sticks in 4.31 seconds, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion said, does!, with 8.1 coming after the catch but needs work to be trusted in expanded... Based on his Scouting report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed many! And gets open shortly after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity up at line... The Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the Combine! Played five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2020 josh Heupel made velus jones jr nfl draft projection when... Playmaking ability for the Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. measured.. Acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 class & # x27 ; Senior! Returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad ( Higher value represents better perfomance ) to the,... Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards special teams in the SEC conference prospects the! Point of view, Jones recorded just 347 yards the passing game, teams will be great but. The latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an viewing. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing course... All-Purpose yards, which turned off some teams 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming the., but I dont get this pick Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by kicks! And acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a weakness which was in. You play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter get this pick in.! With elusiveness or physical contact rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack over! Appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at two premier Power 5 programs and... Via velus jones jr nfl draft projection pylon reach a question of whether he can improve much more at two premier Power 5,... Their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards field fast make a... Catch outside of his frame or in traffic extend his career new kick in. But needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity often has to down! And full season projections great, but once Jones gets rolling, he could climb eye on these NFL come. ( v80 and later ), Firefox and Safari historically in the throws of day! All-Purpose yards tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione le tue impostazioni per maggiori informazioni sulle di...

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