There is a path where he turns into the next Van Jefferson, as long as we see a marked improvement in his route running to get him to a similar level. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). 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. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. 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. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. 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). What about the status of Alvin Kamara? NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. 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. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . 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. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. 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 . 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. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. 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. 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. Velus Jones Jr. 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. PROMISES KEPT? He thrived in the no-huddle offense where he was primarily running routes out of the slot. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. A lot more. 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 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Larry Mayer. 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. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Schedule; Podcast . The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Feb 28, 2023 . Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. 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 . So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. (67%*), 30 7/8 Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. 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 . His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. 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). . He offers little to sell his route to the DB. All Rights Reserved. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. Eligibility restrictions apply. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. 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. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. All rights reserved. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. 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. Top gear can separate from anyone. 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. 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. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. 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. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. . 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 . The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. 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. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. 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. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Dangerous in the open field. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. 1. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. 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. 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. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 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. Old prospect whos already 25. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? Doesnt quite play to that level. 0:43. 9 Texas vs. No. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. follow. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. 71 overall. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. 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