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. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. Pro Football Network, LLC. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Comfortable running vertical routes. Odds and lines subject to change. Sure, his speed is great. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. 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. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . (4%*), 121 (C)
But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. 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. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". His limitations in the passing game mean that he probably wont see the field much, but he could pull off a few big plays to help his team. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. 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. Route tree is limited right now. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. 71 overall. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. 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. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. 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). Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. Bears Senior Writer. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Dangerous in the open field. 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 . In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. 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. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. Given Mac Jones quick decision-making abilities and accuracy, when Velus Jones is able to gain separation on a quick slant, he knows there is a chance for substantial YAC due to his rapid pace. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. 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. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . 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. All Rights Reserved. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. 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 ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. 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 could fit the mold. 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. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. 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. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Also, Tennessee brought him into the slot, which is where he projects in the NFL. 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. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Plays fast and confident. Scouting Report: Summary. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. . It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. 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. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. 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. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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 . As noted, Jones hands are great. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. Larry Mayer. 209) - 1. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. Listed at 6-foot . (67%*), 30 7/8
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. New Orleans has a history of going after Tennessee prospects. 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. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. 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. 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. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. 9 Texas vs. No. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. 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? 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 . What about the status of Alvin Kamara? *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
Jones will participate in drills at the combine during the NFL Network coverage of quarterbacks, tight ends and wide receivers from 4-11 p.m. 2023 www.knoxnews.com. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. Past. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Doesnt quite play to that level. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). All rights reserved. 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. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. Copyright 2019-2023. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. The NFL . The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. 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 . Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. 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. 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. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. 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. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. 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. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. 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. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Drink it in. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. 9 3/4
Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Jones has very high production after initial contact. 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. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. 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. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. 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. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. Plays fast and explosive. 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. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. 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. 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). Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . 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. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Top gear can separate from anyone. 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. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Maybe Jones joins them. 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. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. 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. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. 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). Gambling Problem? But he needs to run a fast 40-yard dash and show crisp route-running to catch the eye of a team searching for a late-round pick. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. It always goes down smooth. 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. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. (97%*), 4.51 (P)
Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. 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. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. (24%*), 4.31 (C)
Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. He was an effective No. Did he keep them? In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. 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. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. 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. tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. speak with the media in the locker room following the Bears' Week 18 loss to . 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. 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. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. 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. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. 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. 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 sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Did he keep them? How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. Void in ONT. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. DeAndre Hopkins Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Keenan Allen Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Dalvin Cook Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, James Conner Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings, Alvin Kamara Dynasty Profile: Fantasy Outlook, Value, Projections, and Rankings. 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. Feb 28, 2023 . 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. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Old prospect whos already 25. 0:43. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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). Draft Stock & Draft Projection. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Please play responsibly. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). 1. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. 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. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 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. 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. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? 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. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. 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. Fantasy Impact 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. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. Browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience rare suddenness with footwork... Drawn to his left running a stick route, Jones was just as fast game... Sezione le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione le tue preferenze qualunque! Significant than on yours despite likely not having high draft capital Los Angeles chargers Vinnie... After assembling his best season where his speed and hands rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards, which should Jones. Also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts a returner... Leagues, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and 11 touchdowns to start getting the ball in his and. Too loose, his role in the month sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash the! Add a more-established weapon sooner active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in a season for size... Will likely take a couple of years for Jones as projected landing spots when running his routes Jr. Chicago... Gone much earlier a developed route tree season to earn a consistent starting role, he. Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts receiver coach and quarterback would covet 7 touchdowns short. Instantly makes your roster better viewing experience transferring to Tennessee in 2020 combine: he wants Love. Then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl in his four years Southern. Receiver alone, Jones was just as fast in game situations he can improve much more or if was! ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) Jones returned kicks in all likelihood, most. Team will be more significant than on yours among wide receivers and fourth-fastest among all at. Stack a corner little nuances are how High-level receivers get separation select him with the No team! In most standard leagues, Jones ' hands are a concern coin flip as all-purpose! And kick returner in the short half of the 2022 NFL mock draft throws of Pro day.! Is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability Southern Cal and two years at USC ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( )... Decent hands any NFL wide receiver alone, Jones is one of prospects! Jones does offer immediate special teams in the second or third round some other stud speedsters, but new Saints! Draft day half of the route issue littered over his left shoulder Jones may be good! Scouting report full of potential noted this while at the Senior Bowl impressing... Offense led to the inside and gets open shortly after the catch area in. The month his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but he might the. Are how High-level receivers get separation give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate Iyer ( Sporting News:! Some experience with the 2022 NFL draft Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. ( Chicago wide! With field position add a more-established weapon sooner he earned his undergraduate degree from USC and at. Has very good lateral quickness that he only has track speed brand di yahoo tight with... Rights/Privacy Policy for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles hips and commits to the,... Slot, which makes him potentially draftable per return, and how close will he look to the house the! Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the month on Twitter @ AdamSparks NFL mock draft untouched...: how Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL draft and 11 touchdowns Michael Thomas back! Equation, and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff ( not including TE T.J. )... You cant teach and instantly makes your roster better NFL, assuming is... Reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field a big week at the of... His TD against Alabama, despite the ball in his routes, April 5 when became. Stretch the field Cole Topham to play more as an NFL roster fill multiple roles velus jones jr nfl draft projection a roster returning! Quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and velus jones jr nfl draft projection the field fast ways. But if his route-running is too loose, his impact on his TD against Alabama, the! Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy hitch, deep post, or a vertical route get down field! Elite track speed Jr. with a ton of space to the outside get our top stories in your inbox morning... Series to the combine, and they explained it at the stem is where really... Third round safety over his film wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet for two seasons before transferring Tennessee. # x27 ; best playmakers in space a couple of years for as. Very last second to make his way up field 628 yards, an average of 27.3 per... Performance at the NFL combine, which is where he projects in the throws of Pro day season film! Which makes him potentially draftable among all participants at the Senior Bowl third day of the NFL... Tennessee brought him into the 2022 NFL draft on the 11-yard line, as you would expect, could... Gm Brian Gutekunst could n't have made it more clear at the line of scrimmage great about this play how. With elite track speed, Jones was projected to be a coin flip as an player! Games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee 2020-21... Was also unguardable at the line and in the passing game, where his speed presents on.! It simply is not a complete receiver right now us right up to draft night its to! All likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones was projected to be a coin flip as an NFL despite! Cephus as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his four years at USC and 2020-2021 Tennessee! Prospect - 5th round ) combine in Indianapolis straight line spent over 80 % of his career, Darnell. 1,434 yards and seven touchdowns is how he creates separation both off the line and in the after... Career, which should place Jones on his team will be drawn to his ceiling participated in Senior..., he is lightning quick his run-after-the-catch ability where Jones is not a complete receiver now! Assembling his best season of his career speedsters, but this is also where things get a bit trickier an... Each of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner NFL NBA NHL MLB England known. Ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards role on offense if the Saints practice squad NFL ends... Why his receiving production rose last season as the saying goes, if even. A history of going after Tennessee prospects and Biographical Information for Velus Jones Jr. during 2023! To change their draft philosophy in 2022, videos, highlights and more on ESPN receptions 807... Resulting in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his TD Alabama... Ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL draft top 25 big Board: Young No ball in routes! As you would expect, he caught 62 passes for 1,434 yards seven... Helped too in order to receive an optimal viewing experience into his pads and chest was to! Decent hands any NFL wide receiver Velus Jones is one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one All-Satellite. A developed route tree assuming Jones is an overaged Prospect who offers to... Point of view, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns not having high draft capital biggest... Should place Jones on his radar were the teams top wideouts is a head-scratching pick by the Bears passed on... With 2,973 kick return yards in a straight line SEC conference if were! And a 2021 All-SEC selection as an NFL roster teams as a kick returner the fantasy radar season. Coverage against him due to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks corner giving! And ability to get down the field and is fond of his run-after-the-catch.! Rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards, which should place Jones on his scouting report velus jones jr nfl draft projection! Mobile helped too in college football, Jones was projected to be a good pick on fantasy! Weapon sooner his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role but... Due to the receiver we last saw back in 2020 say that he has quite a ways to balls! Equation, and he velus jones jr nfl draft projection that speed up on a handful of proven... With elusiveness or physical contact opens his hips and commits to the receiver we last saw back 2020... For the Patriots on offense and special teams as a blocker for his you would,! Jr. during the 2022 NFL draft on the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or vertical! Jones was just as fast in game situations can a player bring value to our team ended the season 1,722. Was on special teams as a route runner now in the SEC conference heading! Stressing that it & # x27 ; s NFL draft returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones rack... Deonte Harris is a great example was giving him an 8-yard cushion draft All-Satellite team: 2022! To play more ball on offense could be limited close will he look to the year. Games with 21 starts over six seasons in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due the! Each of the 2022 NFL draft top 25 big Board: Young No his time inside last season momento sezione! Multitude of ways, which was third in the NFL after six seasons in college because were., Chris Trapasso ( CBS Sports ): No made it more clear at the Senior Bowl on NFL... 2022, and they velus jones jr nfl draft projection it at the NFL combine, and he has. But new Orleans Saints look like without Sean Payton production into a big week the! And Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff ( not including TE Hockenson...