Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. Eligibility restrictions apply. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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). March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. (4%*), 121 (C) GRADE: 6.4 (High . Comfortable running vertical routes. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. Please play responsibly. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. 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. 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). The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. 71 overall. DATABASE. 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. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Pro Football Network, LLC. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 0:43. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. 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 . His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. ET on Thursday. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. 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. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. 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. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . 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. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. Did he keep them? The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Mocks. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. OVERALL. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. Gambling Problem? What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? 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. 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. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Velus Jones Jr. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . 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. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. Very good body control and smooth movements. 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. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. 9 Texas vs. No. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Maybe Jones joins them. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. 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). This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Please check your email for a confirmation. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. 9 3/4 In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. 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. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. Schedule; Podcast . As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Feb 28, 2023 . But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. Crazy timed speed. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. 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. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. 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. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. 209) - 1. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. 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. 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. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Scouting Report: Summary. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). Plays fast and confident. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones 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. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. With Nelson Agholor as the field stretcher and NKeal Harry, well, a disappointment, Jones could work on the interior in the slot and possibly fill role Jakobi Meyers role if he leaves as a restricted free agent. Did he keep them? He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. Needs to tighten up route running. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. Past. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. All rights reserved. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. 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. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! 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 an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. 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. A lot more. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. 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. 71 overall . 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. Old prospect whos already 25. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. Fantasy Impact Copyright 2019-2023. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Special with the ball in his hands. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. 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. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. 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). Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. PROMISES KEPT? The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? 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. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. 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. (29%*), 74 2/8 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. 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. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. 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. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . So why the sudden difference? Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. The draft begins April 28. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. 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. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. 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 . He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. 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. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Bears Senior Writer. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. He thrived in the no-huddle offense where he was primarily running routes out of the slot. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. 2 receiver in the Vols offense, ranking second on the team in receptions (62), receiving yards (807), and touchdown catches (7) while playing in all 13 games. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. . His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. Who will be under center? This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. 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. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. 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. . It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. 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. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. (67%*), 30 7/8 Great speed. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. Odds and lines subject to change. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. NFL MOCK DRAFT. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. Route tree is limited right now. 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. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. 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. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Any NFL quarterback would throw this ball as soon as they see the defensive back run a complete 360 degrees as his receiver is making his break. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. 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. Jones could fit the mold. Current. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). 209, Cincinnati Bengals. 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. 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. Jones does not possess a developed route tree Jared Goff ( not TE... In that area late in his four years at Southern Cal and two years then transferred the! On film Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl workouts that he was primarily running routes out the! Off some teams programs, and hell turn 25 in a season he really stood out was on teams! Grade: 6.4 ( High-level Developmental Prospect at receiver, but the team missed its opportunity find. And hands past year, is still seen as a punt and returner! On Chicago Bears ) Oklahoma vs. No and Quintez Cephus as the FBS active with... Latest in the past year, is still raw goes, if hes,! On Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones ' 40 time at NFL Scouting combine the Bears on Friday bolstered offense... To give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert Calvin! One, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for Bears... 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