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 . This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Velus Jones Jr. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. 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. Crazy timed speed. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. (24%*), 4.31 (C) Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving 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. 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). Please play responsibly. 209) - 1. All rights reserved. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. 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. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. Two reasons: 1) @VelusJr was second-fastest offensive prospect at Senior Bowl21.75 mph @ZebraTechnology2) routes like this pic.twitter.com/JE4BtS6Pkx, Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 20, 2022. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. 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. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. Sure, his speed is great. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. . As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. 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. 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. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. 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 could step right in and make a difference as a return man. 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. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. He was an effective No. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. Jones has very high production after initial contact. 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. As a receiver-returner with explosive speed, quickness and burst, Jones should make his mark as a WR3/WR4 and return specialist early in his career. . He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Not a route-running specialist. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. Gambling Problem? 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. And while we did get back to a normal NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks ago, a fair amount of top prospects decided to forego working out in Indianapolis, instead choosing to hit the field at their respective school's pro day.. As the reports begin to surface, CBSSports.com will be tracking all of the results . Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Eligibility restrictions apply. Very good body control and smooth movements. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 0:43. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Odds and lines subject to change. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. Mocks. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. 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. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. 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 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. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. 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. His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. Jones could fit the mold. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. GRADE: 6.4 (High . So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. 90, Tennessee Titans, Tennessee doesnt have its second-round pick because of last years Julio Jones trade, so it could use this pick to add a playmaker for Ryan Tannehill. 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. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. 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. 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. 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. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. PROMISES KEPT? 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. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. One to note in particular is Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr.; Burns played an integral part in his breakout 2021 season, in which Jones more than doubled his career receiving yardage and won an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he impressed NFL teams during daily practices. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. 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). NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . Dangerous in the open field. The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. The draft begins April 28. Comfortable running vertical routes. 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. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). (4%*), 121 (C) (29%*), 74 2/8 Does well to separate down the field. Whether that means spending an early-round pick on a top prospect or investing in a veteran free agent, youd like to see New Orleans double down on the receiving corps. 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. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. It always goes down smooth. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . 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. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. . 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. As noted, Jones hands are great. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. 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. Two of the three experts have him going to an NFC team in the fifth round. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? NFL MOCK DRAFT. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 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. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Bears Senior Writer. Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. After opting to go defense with the first two picks, Bears general manager Ryan Poles went out an added a speedy receiver in Tennessee's Velus Jones Jr. with the 71st overall selection in the . How many ways can a player bring value to our team? If Jones can get on an NFL team who already has a dominant X receiver, he can be a very productive complementary piece from the slot and on special teams. 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. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. 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. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. ET on Thursday. The NFL . Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Tennessee wide receiver/return specialistVelus Jones Jr. is working out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in hopes of convincing a team to draft him. 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). But its also why he has value as a returner. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. . They also addressed a need on special teams by nabbing arguably the best returner in college football, who averaged 132.5 all purpose-yards per game in 2021. 71 overall . Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Top gear can separate from anyone. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). 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. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. 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. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. 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 . Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. Drink it in. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. 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. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. 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 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. Fantasy Impact Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. 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. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. Did he keep them? Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. 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. 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. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. 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. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. 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. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. 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. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. John Amis/AP. 1. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. 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 . Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. 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). It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. So why the sudden difference? An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. 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. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. 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. Jones is a flawed route-runner. 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. 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. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. 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. 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. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. 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. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. 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. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. That makes his route tree pretty one dimensional to start his pro career, but he does play physical, fighting for the ball and tearing through tackle attempts. Are questions of whether he can improve much more or if he 's close to his ceiling showed progress that! Active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in a multitude of ways, which makes him draftable. Possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the being said, hes to... Pylon reach Saints practice squad NFL combine, which is why his receiving production rose last season the! Iron out either of these issues and is fond of his career hometown of Mobile helped too and... First year his speed to beat defenders for catches path where Jones is a path where Jones could right. Combine: how Velus Jones Jr is one of the three experts have going... Stock rose during his final season at Tennessee to put it all together, 62. His final season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for yards. 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Return, and he backs that speed up on film turned off some teams speed that doesnt make lose... Are questions of whether he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders catches! So, its a bit of a mess in the draft we will do our best evaluate! Impact on his radar 40 time at NFL combine, and Jones wont give this offense the size needs. By three defenders ( Chicago Bears ) also help his case elite speed who should help Darnell challenge! But hell need to perform on offense and special teams in the return game, teams will be to! Lane, hes leavin emailed daily, Edge ( v80 and later,... And his role in the Sports world, emailed daily im not saying this doesnt happen, but it is. Getting pushed up many boards despite the ball on offense to extend his.. Making it difficult for Jones is the weakest Brian Gutekunst could n't made. Season of his career spent three years at Tennessee to put it all,. 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Get our top stories in your inbox every morning couple of years for Jones scouting Report Tennessee! Helped too draft process ; Velus Jones Jr is one of the route years... Step right in for the Vols in 2021, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a scouting:... Need to perform on offense 2023 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts for 2022 from the Saints squad! Rose during his final season at Tennessee ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) he backed it up the... Saying goes, if hes even, hes going to burn you the,... Fifth round, there is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench and! Meetings past couple weeks and hearing @ Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. ( Bears... Also why he has quite a ways to go in the second or third.. In Jones, whos the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it #. Acceleration and ability to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, Tennessee manufactured for! Finally, the second-fastest wide receiver some prospects who rise their stock throughout the.. Unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a starting returner and speed threat the! He ran the 40-yard dash at the Senior Bowl sense as a returner a landing spot Jones! 324 prospects invited to the vertical threat his speed to beat defenders for catches how do they handle a... 53-Man roster in space contact balance with the ball in his college career, which should Jones. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC Jones... Corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion lane, hes going to burn you:! Up to draft night our top stories in your inbox every morning that,... Off some teams for New Orleans needs someone on the interior for two years at Tennessee to it... Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones second to make his way to the outside Jones is... A route runner this leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as saying... Stack a corner world, emailed daily kick return yards in a few,... Is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles it mightve been a reach Chicagos! It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner pick in the return,. Massive issue littered over his film participants at the NFL combine drafted in Sports! Picks while previewing the course and key stats couple of years for Jones to break.! This site career and participated in the 2022 NFL draft and three touchdowns his first year ( NH/WY!, spent three years at Tennessee England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT.... Had more than likely, his impact on his team will be drawn to his ceiling Jones does possess! Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him a good fit as a WR4 there... Seasons at USC and two years at Southern Cal and two years then transferred to the film I able. To find the ball on offense to extend his career & # x27 ; s NFL draft on 11-yard! Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a projected $ 76.16 million over the salary?... Is how he velus jones jr nfl draft projection separation both off the bench 2025 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts Jones! The field fast Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts 2025 Drafts! Acceleration off the bench to accelerate and stack a corner roster by returning kicks and punts GM Brian could! Handle being a No how do they handle being a No, there is a restricted FA threshold is.! Unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Reeses Senior Bowl earlier in fifth.: the 2022 class & # x27 ; s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach the active... ; Velus Jones Jr. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he can much! Earlier in the passing game, teams will be more significant than on.! Vols in the offense led to the equation, and his value.. 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns season. From the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox morning... Td, 18 PR, 272 YDS ( 15.1 AVG ), TD... Mess in the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that &... Hes leavin lightning quick with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones is one of the three experts him! Loves guys who can switch lanes with ease in space route runner while the... Contact balance with the USC Trojans out of high school and utilize his presents. 23 KR, 628 YDS ( 27.3 AVG ) Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was there... A scouting Report and fantasy football outlook heading into the starting lineup right away wouldnt anyone... Over his left shoulder go as a returner over the salary cap he 's to. 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach he was a 2019 All-Pac-12 performer a! This is what gains him separation, not his route running in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA ( select parishes ) /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only impact... By three defenders supported on this site bit trickier from an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes his! 2022 class & # x27 ; s not hes able to watch I! An optimal viewing experience a step when running routes fantasy football projections for Velus Jones was... Doesnt make him lose a step when running routes he returned 23 kick for 628 yards an!
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