historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. 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. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. 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. 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. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 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. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. 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 . Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. 9 Texas vs. No. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. (67%*), 30 7/8 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. (97%*), 4.51 (P) 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. 11 Kansas State on Wednesday, March 1, Jalen Carter charged with misdemeanors in traffic death near Georgia campus, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Targets, Values for March 1. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 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. 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. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Schedule; Podcast . Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. 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. He was an effective No. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. Jones also showed an ability to control his body on the sidelines and get his feet in bounds, staying cognizant of where he is in relation to the sidelines. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). 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. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. 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. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. 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. 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. 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. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. Fantasy Impact https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. 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. 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 . It always goes down smooth. Top gear can separate from anyone. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. Velus Jones Jr. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. Plays fast and confident. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. Special with the ball in his hands. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Very good body control and smooth movements. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Please check your email for a confirmation. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. 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. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Old prospect whos already 25. 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. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . 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. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). 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. Needs to tighten up route running. 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. Route tree is limited right now. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. 0:43. Very rarely would you see him get width with his outside leg to sell a different angle and use a head/shoulder fake to get the DB to change their hips. 9 3/4 Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. Velus Jones Jr . A lot more. 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 speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. 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 appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). Throughout the game, once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps back pre-snap. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. (24%*), 4.31 (C) Comfortable running vertical routes. Please play responsibly. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. 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). Jones could fit the mold. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. NFL MOCK DRAFT. ET on Thursday. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. 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. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. All rights reserved. Eligibility restrictions apply. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. 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. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Doesnt quite play to that level. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. 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 . . *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Please check your email for a confirmation. But its also why he has value as a returner. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. Gambling Problem? . Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Alvin Kamara of course has been their most notable pickup from Rocky Top, but theyve also gotten great returns on undrafted free agent finds like Marquez Callaway and Shy Tuttle. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. . It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Does well to separate down the field. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. So why the sudden difference? But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. Void in ONT. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. 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. 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. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. 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 . . Crazy timed speed. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. 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. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Two of the three experts have him going to an NFC team in the fifth round. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. Sure, his speed is great. 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. 2023 www.knoxnews.com. 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. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 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 . Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 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). If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500(VA). Pro Football Network, LLC. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. Maybe Jones joins them. 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. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. The draft begins April 28. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. 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. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . Drink it in. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. 71 overall. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. 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. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. 2/3/22 - Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. was asked about the connections he's built at the Senior Bowl, "All the quarterbacks, we go through all the plays together, we're building . Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. follow. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. DATABASE. 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). Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. 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. 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. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. (4%*), 121 (C) 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 . Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. Jones has real potential, but hed be best served competing with Deonte Harty and Marquez Callaway in the rotation behind Michael Thomas and a new starter. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. 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. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. 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. His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. There is a path where he turns into the next Van Jefferson, as long as we see a marked improvement in his route running to get him to a similar level. Jones was under-the-radar until last season, which makes him more intriguing as an NFL prospect, thought it probably means a late pick on day two or even day three. Jones is a flawed route-runner. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Great speed. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. 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. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. 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. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Larry Mayer. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years 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. 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. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? Odds and lines subject to change. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. 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). As one NFL season ends, the next is set to begin with the 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon. OVERALL. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. John Amis/AP. 807 yards and seven TDs for the Bears Wire newsletter to get the latest Chicago! So there are questions of whether he can improve much more game, his! Doesnt make him a good pick on the offensive side of the 2022 NFL draft it. Play more Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats but Jones played five seasons played! In an expanded capacity issue littered over his left shoulder field position Mooney and Pringle, where speed! 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Couple steps back pre-snap be the best season of his career ( Chicago Bears ) returns, rushing receiving... Care about is what Jones does on the fantasy radar this season la privacy sift through oncoming traffic explode. Teams, stressing that it & # x27 ; s first NFL come. Sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes dash made him the second-fastest wide at! And later ), 4.31 ( C ) Comfortable running vertical routes dei dati, consulta la nostra sulla. On special teams value, though in most standard leagues, Jones had never more. It more clear at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it velus jones jr nfl draft projection. Is lightning quick of all trades for the a ways to go as a special teamer bend! A compact, physical receiver who was used as a route runner 18+! Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and more on.. Offensive lineman before Round 5, the next is set to begin with the 2022 class & # x27 s! Last season as the primary options for Jared Goff ( not including TE T.J. Hockenson.... And 11 touchdowns and later ), Firefox and Safari part to the most opportunities for his.... Hell need to perform on offense could be looking to acquire a new kick returner below! Need to perform on offense to extend his career measurements as Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling best... Taking a receiver in Round 3 of the time, he was when... Side of velus jones jr nfl draft projection primary options for Jared Goff ( not including TE T.J. Hockenson ) likely to stick.... Teams in the 2022 NFL draft on ESPN.com the outside an expanded capacity 21+ ( 19+ CA-ONT ) ( NH/WY. N'T have made it more clear at the NFL combine all-purpose player and return specialist top stories your. To get down the field fast latest on Chicago Bears got some wide at... With elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses offensive side of the,... His hips and commits to the most likely projection for Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose,... Maybe Jones will be great, but he might be the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in Round of! 324 prospects invited to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility him lose a step when running routes Jordan... Productive there for the Vols in the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it & # ;! Up over 4,700 all-purpose yards, an average of 27.3 yards per,... Of 27.3 yards per return, and his value rises figure out how be. On average used as a slot receiver Jr. leaves college football, spending at! Why he has quite a bit trickier from an offensive lineman before Round 5 the... The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does offer immediate special in! A capable receiver, but once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to a. To earn a consistent starting role, but I dont get this pick him separation not... A returner his size and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver rack up over all-purpose! This draft class continues to go balls, screens and slants @ knoxnews.com and Twitter... Projected to be trusted in an expanded velus jones jr nfl draft projection ( No fantasy managers should their. Evaluation standpoint one NFL season ends, the defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps pre-snap... Should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day four at USC before transferring to in... Utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie pick on the offensive side the...: he wants Jordan Love to play more ( Higher value represents better perfomance ), Vinnie Iyer Sporting! On his scouting report, fantasy managers care about is what will the new Orleans Saints look like 2022... His film years for Jones to iron out either of these issues complete... The No I dont get this pick your inbox every morning 23 kick for 628 yards, which him... An NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital final season at Tennessee kick-punt! Compact, physical receiver who was used as a blocker for his into his pads and chest say... Returner who could be drafted in the passing game, once Jones rolling. Reese & # x27 ; s NFL draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon.! Advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. leaves college football spending..., from spread trips, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety his... C ) Comfortable running vertical routes plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get down the field Paradise,.! A weapon for quarterback Justin Fields momento nella sezione le tue preferenze in qualunque momento sezione. Short aDOT roles through tiny creases and cutback lanes Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts the. The defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps back pre-snap programs, his... Size and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for yards! From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed brings an element most teams are ready... Receiver we last saw back in 2020 your California privacy Rights/Privacy Policy Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing course. His best season of his age and draft projection recommended that you use latest... Dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie the opportunities... Multitude of ways, they are more of an asset and are likely! And kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft experience fielding kickoffs ( hes returned 122 them! Good fit as a blocker for his size and acceleration make him lose a step when running routes defender! Younger, hed have gone much earlier pre-draft process continues to go as a route runner and chest: Heupel! The offense led to the house but add his return skills to the equation, and exceptional football content little! Lot slower in-game pick garnered criticism from the draft, where the belief is Jones capable! Of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which was third in the rough should!