Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. The NFL . Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. 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 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 takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. Please check your email for a confirmation. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. 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. 71 overall. 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. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Mocks. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. Doesnt quite play to that level. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. 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 . 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. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. 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 . Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. 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. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 9 3/4 So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. He was an effective No. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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? TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. 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. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. It always goes down smooth. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. 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. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. 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 tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. 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). More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. 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. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. 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. Not a route-running specialist. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. (29%*), 74 2/8 He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. Jones is a flawed route-runner. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. All rights reserved. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. 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. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. PROMISES KEPT? Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): 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. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Drink it in. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Copyright 2019-2023. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 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). In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Sure, his speed is great. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 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? Old prospect whos already 25. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. (97%*), 4.51 (P) Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Jones could fit the mold. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 1. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. 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 . 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. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. 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 Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. Velus Jones Jr . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. 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. (4%*), 121 (C) 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. 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. 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. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Scouting Report: Summary. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. Feb 28, 2023 . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. Past. 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). Please play responsibly. 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. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . 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 . 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. So why the sudden difference? But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. 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. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Maybe Jones joins them. 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? He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. 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. Gambling Problem? Also, Tennessee brought him into the slot, which is where he projects in the NFL. 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. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. 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. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. GRADE: 6.4 (High . 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 versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. Velus Jones Jr. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. 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. . 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. John Amis/AP. 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. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. Void in ONT. 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. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Comfortable running vertical routes. 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. 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. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . Special with the ball in his hands. 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. Does well to separate down the field. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Odds and lines subject to change. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. But its also why he has value as a returner. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. 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 . All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. 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. 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. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Plays fast and explosive. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. 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. Dangerous in the open field. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. . And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. 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). Route tree is limited right now. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 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). An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). 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. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Current. 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). Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats.
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