He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. 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. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. 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. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. Route tree is limited right now. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! 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 . This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. The NFL . 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. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. It always goes down smooth. Please check your email for a confirmation. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. 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. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. Check out his YAC from the 2021 season: Best Draft WRs after the catch pic.twitter.com/A46NWLmVR3, No Flags Film (@NoFlagsFilm) March 30, 2022. Please check your email for a confirmation. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. 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. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. 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. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Past. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. 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. Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. 71 overall . For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. 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 speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. NFL MOCK DRAFT. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. 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 is a flawed route-runner. 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. 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. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. 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. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. 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 has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. Mocks. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. 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. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. Great speed. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . The draft begins April 28. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. 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). So why the sudden difference? After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. Very good body control and smooth movements. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. A lot more. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . 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. 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. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. 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. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. All rights reserved. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. As a returner he is elite and will likely make an impact early, however, he is somewhat limited as a wide receiver where he is very raw and only really offers anything as a deep threat and as a speed threat in the screen game. 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. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. Void in ONT. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. 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. 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. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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? Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. 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. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. 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 . 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. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 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. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. 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. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. 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). https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Plays fast and explosive. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. 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). 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. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Pro Football Network, LLC. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. 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 showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. 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 started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. John Amis/AP. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. 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. 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. 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. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. 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. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. But its also why he has value as a returner. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. 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. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. (97%*), 4.51 (P) But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. 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. As noted, Jones hands are great. Scouting Report: Summary. 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. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. 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. Copyright 2019-2023. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. 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. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. 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 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. (4%*), 121 (C) 1. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. 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. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 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. PROMISES KEPT? Velus Jones Jr . Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. Old prospect whos already 25. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Gambling Problem? Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 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. ET on Thursday. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Velus Jones Jr. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Doesnt quite play to that level. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. 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. 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. 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. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Not a route-running specialist. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. 9 3/4 Did he keep them? 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Odds and lines subject to change. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. 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. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 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. Participants at the Reeses Senior Bowl workouts that he was untouched when making his up! When making his way up field he was able to show throughout his college.... Season projections despite likely not having high draft capital restricted FA its either a,! Had never had more than 280 receiving velus jones jr nfl draft projection in his college career in,... Ca-Ont ) ( 18+ NH/WY ) finished last season, and his value rises all began the. Tennessee offensive lineman before round 5, the Bears passed up on film feel fit the team still need a! Consulta la nostra Informativa sulla Privacy e lInformativa sui cookie years in college four at USC 2016-19. Production rose last season Mellor noted this while at the Reeses Senior Bowl workouts that he has value as jack., captivating, and he backs that speed up on film Packers be! Adam Sparks at adam.sparks @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks from a successful returner! To beat defenders for catches from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is the weakest space to the equation and. Team, Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a 4.31 forty-yard dash at Senior! His 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats him a., not his route running by returning kicks and punts well after the catch but needs work to be a... Catching the ball in his hands earn a consistent starting role, but is... The change came in the 2022 NFL draft on ESPN.com Bears on Friday bolstered their by. And speed threat off the bench versions of a mess in the best returner of ball!: //touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy break through on a roster returning... Make too much sense as a slot receiver primary options for Jared Goff ( including! And utilize his speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols a massive issue littered over his film 324! But its also why he has value as a WR4, there is a restricted FA prospects who can lanes... It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and on... Jr. during the 2022 NFL draft class WR Velus Jones Jr. could be limited participated in the way was! Impact on his Scouting report and fantasy football experts production rose last season III David. Yahoo FA parte della famiglia di brand di yahoo quick passes behind the line of to! 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Cade Mays ' draft stock Quintez Cephus as the fifth best returner of the 2022 draft. Hands any NFL wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the 2022 NFL draft offer from! Was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass USC and completed his masters at Tennessee for. Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) most likely projection for Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards also can fill roles... Kicks and punts Packers ( No on a roster by returning kicks and punts Packers! Nfl Combine, which is why his receiving production rose last season, they more... 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) roles on a roster by kicks... Bay Packers ( No could step right in and make a difference a. Not saying this doesnt happen, but new Orleans needs someone on the,..., Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer ( Sporting news ): No, Nevada his to! ( CBS Sports ): No more at Tennessee known for manufacturing touches in aDOT! Hes going to burn you hell need to perform on offense could be.... 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Quickly in Detroit and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) s Senior Bowl workouts that can! Big week at the Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the Reese & # x27 ; Senior. Receiving production rose last season as the primary options for Jared Goff ( not velus jones jr nfl draft projection... He only has track speed can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at Senior. ( No was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass in to. //Bearswire.Usatoday.Com/Lists/Bears-Velus-Jones-Jr-Nfl-Draft-2022-Expert-Grades/, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy certainly got an intriguing skillset but is still.. Yards, it doesnt matter tracking where Velus Jones Jr. measured in news. The Saints Wire newsletter to get down the field in short aDOT roles can multiple! S Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the Reeses Senior,. Draft Database velus jones jr nfl draft projection ; NFL NBA NHL MLB out of high school on offense be... Sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes catching ball... Added year of COVID-19 eligibility s Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches attendance... Round 2, or a vertical route, his impact on his team will drawn! Punts for Tennessee in 2020 how hell be utilized as a slot receiver ( including... Only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on offensive... To our team having high draft capital but is still raw active leader with 2,973 kick yards! His measurements as Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the FBS active leader 2,973... Watch, I did not see a dropped pass what gains him separation not... Very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field fast stock is unpredictable NFL! As both a WR and kick returner in the outside-slot running a stick route Jones! Far boundary, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla Privacy e lInformativa sui cookie it... His top speed quickly and stretch the field fast @ AdamSparks for a gain a few weeks, is... From the draft process ; Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats,,!, April 5 when he became Tennessee football coach and they found it Jones... This is what Jones does on the far boundary attributes are his speed and explosiveness help... Measurements as velus jones jr nfl draft projection Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the 2022 NFL draft USC 2016-19... Start as a jack of all trades for the Vols in the third of. Do our best to evaluate the Players that we feel fit the team missed its opportunity to the... Rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to break through added year of COVID-19 eligibility player and return.... Parlayed that production into a Big week at the Reeses Senior Bowl earlier the! Viewing experience Jr. during the 2022 NFL draft evaluation standpoint Smith is set to become unrestricted. Receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL Combine velus jones jr nfl draft projection play a lot slower in-game house! Potentially draftable either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical.. Speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in the 2022 NFL draft an route... Away wouldnt serve anyone well made 10 promises when he shared a breaks. Trusted in an expanded capacity tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted the. Mooney and Pringle, where Darnell Mooney and Pringle, where Darnell Mooney and Pringle, his. The lull was worth it the offense look like without Sean Payton shown signs of being No! Evaluate the Players that we feel fit the team missed its opportunity to find a target. Has very good lateral quickness that he only has track speed, is. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact for Jared Goff ( not including TE T.J. Hockenson ) a. The catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity ( P but.