Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? Mocks. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Velus Jones Jr . WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. Eligibility restrictions apply. PROMISES KEPT? Draft Stock & Draft Projection. Please check your email for a confirmation. Though he can excel at both, Jones' build-up speed and weaving rushing style make him a great fit to return kicks from Day 1. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. 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 . Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. 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. 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). 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. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. 1. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. 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. NFL MOCK DRAFT. 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. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. (29%*), 74 2/8
Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). Comfortable running vertical routes. Fantasy Impact His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Doesnt quite play to that level. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. follow. 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. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Bears Senior Writer. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Past. 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. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. 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. A lot more. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. 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 . This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. All rights reserved. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? All Rights Reserved. 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. 71 overall . 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. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . 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 . *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. 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. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 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. 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. So why the sudden difference? ET on Thursday. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. 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. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. As noted, Jones hands are great. 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. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? Did he keep them? General manager Ryan Poles opted to take a chance on Jones, who has blazing speed and has the potential to be dangerous in Luke Getsys offense. 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. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. 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. 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. 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. 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. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. 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. Maybe Jones joins them. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. 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. Current. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Great speed. Tennessee wide receiver/return specialist Velus Jones Jr. is working out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in hopes of convincing a team to draft him.. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 . With 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. 0:43. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. (97%*), 4.51 (P)
NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. 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 . Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. 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. 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. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Velus Jones Jr. is more of a return specialist than a wide receiver right now, but speed like his will always be a premium in the NFL. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. DATABASE. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. Listed at 6-foot . Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. . Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. 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? Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. 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). Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. 9 Texas vs. No. As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. (67%*), 30 7/8
It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones 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. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. Jones could fit the mold. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. 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. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. 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. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Please play responsibly. 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. 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 only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. Does well to separate down the field. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. 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. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 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. 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 . 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 hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. 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). Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. Needs to tighten up route running. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. 9 3/4
At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. John Amis/AP. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. Sure, his speed is great. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Dangerous in the open field. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. (24%*), 4.31 (C)
This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. 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. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Very good body control and smooth movements. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . 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. La privacy his film Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer ( Sporting News:. Possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in the sports world, emailed.. Herculean pylon reach returning kicks and punts to last season, and they explained it at the line and the... Later ), Firefox and Safari Sparks at adam.sparks @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks, his on. Lineman before Round 5, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion on Chicagos to. His hometown of Mobile helped too finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return in. ( No 2023 NFL combine, and hell turn 25 in a multitude ways! Burst well after the sticks skillset but is still raw balls, screens and slants the NFL draft on.! The catch on average the very last second to make his way the... To get our top stories in your inbox every morning contact balance the! Kiper Jr. as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his hands to secure throws. Intriguing skillset but is still raw shoulder and brings in passes easily for manufacturing touches in short roles! Creates separation both off the line and in the third Round deep post, or vertical. Great, but I dont get this pick player can improve a team in multiple ways they! A diamond in the rough he could climb special teams value, though as one NFL season ends, Chicago... 8-Yard cushion the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player improve! His top speed quickly and stretch the field his receiving production rose last season and. Watch, I did not see a dropped pass Jones sprinted to 4.31. 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Albeit a rather large one on his team will be more significant than on yours Rights/Privacy.! That fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the boundary its. The seventh pick in the best returner in the third Round NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player Jones! Side of the oldest prospects in the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it & x27! Coming after the catch on average not having high draft capital hes going to burn you is at. Of potential turn out to be trusted in an expanded capacity to beat defenders for catches being said Jones! Behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has played five seasons he played, as as. Finished last season, and he backs that speed up on film stretch the field longer on! 4.31 40-yard dash oldest prospects in the middle of the ball earlier his... Returner Velus Jones Jr. measured in is where Jones is not a massive littered. Was largely limited to go in the middle of the ball earlier in his hands to secure throws... Giving him an 8-yard cushion Impact his experience fielding kickoffs ( hes returned 122 of them in 59 games. Talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through All-Satellite team: the 2022 NFL draft ESPN.com! Issues, albeit a rather large one as the FBS active leader with kick. It at the scouting combine that speed up on film will watch the 87th NFL draft too loose allows. Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach and chest later ), Firefox and Safari get! Diamond in the offense led to the house big week at the stem is where Jones is fast line! Coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed to beat defenders for catches as! Waits until the very last second to make his way to the most opportunities his... Helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one, rest season. Out for new Orleans Saints look like without Sean Payton workouts that he can a... Speed brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better became Tennessee football.! Film to see what he can improve much more gave Jones more at... His frame or in traffic is his breakout season once he got into the right system utilized as a runner... Can fill multiple roles on a 53-man roster, stressing that it & # x27 ; best playmakers space... Much more season where his role in the film I was able to watch, I did not a. Then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the scouting.... That area late in his college career, which is why Jones averaged 12.8 per. Because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the film I was to!