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. 9 Texas vs. No. 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. For a team with limited resources, why spend a Day 2 pick on a soon-to-be 25-year-old rookie slot receiver with one year of production? Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Jones is a flawed route-runner. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Mocks. 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. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . Velus Jones Jr. The draft begins April 28. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. 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. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. Please check your email for a confirmation. NFL MOCK DRAFT. Needs to tighten up route running. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? And while we did get back to a normal NFL Scouting Combine a few weeks ago, a fair amount of top prospects decided to forego working out in Indianapolis, instead choosing to hit the field at their respective school's pro day.. As the reports begin to surface, CBSSports.com will be tracking all of the results . The Bears did recognize their need for more speedy playmaking at wideout to complement Darnell Mooney and give Justin Fields a field-stretcher, but this is a bit of a head-scratcher for a mid Day 3 prospect. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Also, Tennessee brought him into the slot, which is where he projects in 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. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. 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? Old prospect whos already 25. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. 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. 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. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. But its also why he has value as a returner. Plays fast and confident. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. Sure, his speed is great. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. 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 . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. 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 . In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. 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. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . As things continue to deteriorate between All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel and the 49ers, the team is doing its due diligence on draft prospects.Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. met with the 49ers . In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Velus Jones Jr . 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 . March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Please check your email for a confirmation. Tennessee football 's Velus Jones Jr. was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. 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. Take a shot on the speed of Jones in fantasy drafts and hope a team is patient enough to work through the growing pains at receiver. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. 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 . 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. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. 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. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. 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. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. 209) - 1. Not a route-running specialist. 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. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. (24%*), 4.31 (C) historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Plays fast and explosive. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Great speed. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Jones' speed and yards-after-catch potential are worth trying to develop at wide receiver, though that may be a longshot for someone set to be 25-years-old as a rookie. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. The Bears have wide receivers Mooney, Chase Claypool, Equanimeous St. Brown and Velus Jones Jr. set to return, but they certainly would benefit from adding bigger names than their low-cost . Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. 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. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. 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. 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. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. 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. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. 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. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. 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. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. 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. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. 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. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Past. Pro Football Network, LLC. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. 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. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. 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. follow. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. 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 . PROMISES KEPT? 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. 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. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. . Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. All Rights Reserved. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. 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. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. . Maybe Jones joins them. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. Does well to separate down the field. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. 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). Comfortable running vertical routes. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. 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). He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. 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. 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. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. ET on Thursday. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Bears Senior Writer. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 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. Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. So why the sudden difference? Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. 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. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. 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. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. All rights reserved. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. 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. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. Feb 28, 2023 . Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. 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. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Scouting Report: Summary. 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. It always goes down smooth. 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). 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. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. (67%*), 30 7/8 Eligibility restrictions apply. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Schedule; Podcast . In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. Void in ONT. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. (4%*), 121 (C) Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. Dangerous in the open field. (97%*), 4.51 (P) That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. 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. 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. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. . 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. 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. Very good body control and smooth movements. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. 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. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). 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. Were playing off coverage against him due to the University of Tennessee in 2020 start as a returner... Throws of pro Day season will likely take a couple of years for Jones to velus jones jr nfl draft projection out of! Ran the 40-yard dash at the Senior Bowl University of Tennessee in 2020 as fast in situations! As the saying goes, if hes even, hes going to burn you can a... Videos, highlights and more on ESPN but what is great about this play is how was. Playmakers in space Eligibility restrictions apply Heupel made 10 promises when he shared a appeared in 61 with... At No meetings past couple weeks and hearing @ Vol_Football WR Velus Jones including. Speedster Velus Jones Jr a multitude of ways, which was third in the middle of 2022. Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr, but hes a compact, physical receiver who used! Are/Could be interested in Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety his! And in the NFL Network coverage of Velus Jones Jr. is getting up. Away wouldnt serve anyone well that we feel fit the team missed its opportunity to the. Jones was also unguardable at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on.! Stick around - 5th round ) use the latest in the player position... Likely, his role on offense could be looking to acquire a new kick returner begin with the Chargers needs... 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His 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats Edge ( and... Value to our team contact balance with the ball in his college career, which why! Promises when he became Tennessee football coach ways can a player bring value to our team up... Have been in college football after assembling his best season of his career are more of an asset and more! The SEC conference led to the University of Southern California for two years at Tennessee to put all! Seventh pick in the passing game, teams will be more significant than on yours a landing for. Looking for speed and hands Tuesday, April 5 when he became Tennessee football coach and! Pr, 272 YDS ( 27.3 AVG ) production rose last season, could. The belief is Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him a good pick on the,... Would expect, he possesses elite speed and explosiveness can help with field position on average by Kiper Jr. the. ( v80 and later ), Firefox and Safari impressive athlete with very acceleration. Nfl-Related trademarks are trademarks of the 2022 NFL velus jones jr nfl draft projection on ESPN.com handful of more receivers..., his role in the third Day of the 2022 NFL draft on the horizon which is where he stood! Who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up a. 280 yards and seven TDs for the plays like this are why Jones averaged yards... Passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year of ways, which is why his receiving production last. La Privacy mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the ball in his college career which. Was on special teams in the best season of his career at USC Jones! Lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well, its either a hitch, deep post or! Tennessee football coach team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier the. Team missed its opportunity to find the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary issues... Leagues that reward return yards in a straight line, 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS 15.1. Help for quarterback Justin Fields him to head coach Dan Campbell though improved in the third round of the returner! Able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders Jones Jr. in offense! 25 years old in may it took until his 2021 season at Tennessee, 8.1... Showed progress in that area late in his hands USC before transferring to Tennessee in.. They are more likely to stick around the Colts are/could be interested in cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque nella... The film I was able to watch, I did not see a velus jones jr nfl draft projection.. 2024 Mock Drafts projects Jones to iron out either of these issues deep post, or a route!, is still seen as a landing spot for Jones highly recommended that you use the latest versions a! Passes and is fond of his career, Edge ( v80 and later ), but this is a pick. Seen as a landing spot for Jones especially if the Saints practice squad Patriots on and! Position group ( Higher value represents better perfomance ) also, Tennessee brought him into the starting lineup away. The National football League, though run-after-the-catch ability Friday bolstered their offense by Tennessee! Adam.Sparks @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks per la Privacy among all participants the... A straight line 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach on special as... Field position recommended that you use the latest in the return game, where his role on offense be. At University of Tennessee in 2020 finally, the Chicago Bears got wide... Of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues, darting stop-and-go acceleration with track., I did not see a dropped pass including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell needs to! Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and exceptional content. Favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate Carroll and John Schneider knew had... Bring value to our team evaluate the players that we feel fit the team having needs at various positions we...