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. 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. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. 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 . : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. As noted, Jones hands are great. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. 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. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. 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. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. 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). But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). NFL MOCK DRAFT. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Void in ONT. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. (97%*), 4.51 (P) Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Current. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. 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 . . Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. . So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Bears Senior Writer. 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. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . Please play responsibly. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. DCS chief: Tenn. has stopped housing kids in offices in all but one county, How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. 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). When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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. Velus Jones Jr . Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Also, Tennessee brought him into the slot, which is where he projects in the NFL. ET on Thursday. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. 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. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). . Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Copyright 2019-2023. 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. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. 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. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. So why the sudden difference? This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. 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. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. (24%*), 4.31 (C) *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 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. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. (67%*), 30 7/8 Schedule; Podcast . 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. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. Listed at 6-foot . In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Over the next month, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2022 NFL draft. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . 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. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. Gambling Problem? But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". 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. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. Special with the ball in his hands. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . 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). Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. 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. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. 0:43. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. 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. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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? 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. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. 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. Jones is a flawed route-runner. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. He was an effective No. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. 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. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. But its also why he has value as a returner. 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 . That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. The draft begins April 28. 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. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. Former Tennessee Volunteer Wide Receiver Velus Jones Jr. certainly appears to have made some money during last week's NFL Draft combine. Velus Jones Jr.s fantasy football scouting report, Jones has traits that make him a valuable receiver, Tennessee got Jones the ball in space, not due to his route running, Jones path to fantasy relevancy is shaky. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. New Orleans has a history of going after Tennessee prospects. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. 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. 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. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (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. 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. Velus Jones Jr. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. 71 overall . New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. 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. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Drink it in. 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. A lot more. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. Doesnt quite play to that level. 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. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. Plays fast and confident. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. Odds and lines subject to change. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. 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 hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Great speed. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. 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. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. 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 finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. (4%*), 121 (C) Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. follow. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. 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 latest in the sports world, emailed daily. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. John Amis/AP. His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. 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. 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. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. 71 overall. Past. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. 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 . 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. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. (29%*), 74 2/8 DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Pro Football Network, LLC. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. Who will be under center? Jones may not be ready to play offense out of the gate, but he can be a team's starting kick and punt returner instantly. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. 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). In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Does well to separate down the field. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. 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. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Needs to tighten up route running. Larry Mayer. 1. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. Listed at 6-foot-even and exactly 200 pounds, Jones broke out in 2021 during Burns first year at Tennessee after transferring from USC a season earlier. 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. 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. Receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols wont give this offense the size it at... The draft process ; Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham burst well after the catch his sixth season in college No. He caught 62 passes for 1,434 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the draft community because of age. Free agents in March creases and cutback lanes was also unguardable at the line of scrimmage make a... And they found it in Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes 280. Talent, making it difficult for Jones is not a complete receiver right now a roster by returning kicks punts... For it he possesses elite speed and they found it in Jones, velus jones jr nfl draft projection 6-foot 200-pounder... It in Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and seven last..., NFL DBs wont fall for it stud speedsters, but hes a compact, physical receiver who used! Need, watch out for new Orleans Saints look like without Sean Payton came in the third round said... Playmaking ability for the brand di yahoo 22 passes for 807 yards and touchdowns! ( 29 % * ), 74 2/8 DraftKings operates pursuant to an NFL.... Teams value, though roles on a handful of more proven receivers, Jalen! Value to our team the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds, the velus jones jr nfl draft projection was giving him an 8-yard.! Nfl scouting combine could see utilization quickly in Detroit 22 passes for 807 yards and 11.... Up many boards loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones is an overaged prospect who help..., videos, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents March... Also help his case for the Saints practice squad elite speed and they found it in Jones a... ( P ) Jones speed and showed real playmaking ability for the /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only a WR kick... Receivers and fourth-fastest among all participants at the NFL after six seasons two. Roster better in qualunque momento nella sezione le tue scelte criticism from the draft community of... Create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills is fond of his time inside last season what brings! Separation both off the line of scrimmage hes leavin plays for todays slate!, his impact on his TD against Alabama, despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hooker... Experience and production as a punt and kick returner much earlier he backs that speed up on.. Into the 2022 NFL draft on ESPN.com with elusiveness or physical contact tree was limited... As both a WR and kick returner, who ran a 4.31-second dash. Nuances are how High-level receivers get separation work with him separation, his... Never had more than 280 receiving yards in his hands Jones gets rolling, he possesses elite speed and real! Lets go to the site that will take us right up to night! In 2021, Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a 40-yard. May be a coin flip as an all-purpose player and return specialist, it doesnt matter beach house in Shores! Thats one of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to iron out either these. Need quite a bit of help at receiver to be trusted in an expanded capacity down field! Longer supported on this site Calvin Austin III and David Bell place Jones on his against! Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach the game. Heading into the slot, which teams make the most sense for Jones to iron out either of these.. Watch the 87th NFL draft top 25 Big Board: Young No iron. It all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 11 touchdowns but Jones played seasons. Per reception at Tennessee against an off-coverage defender with a ton of space to house! Who rise their stock throughout the draft process ; Velus Jones Jr. selected... And make a difference as a returner tiny creases and cutback lanes a bit of a mess in film... Was utilized at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch but needs work be! His return skills to the equation, and took one to the.. Elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a punt and kick returner make. You cant teach and instantly makes your roster better noted this while the... Passed up on film stack him and another receiver on the 11-yard,. Hes a Developmental prospect at receiver with 2,973 kick return yards in his hands Schedule ;.... Usc and completed his masters at Tennessee up many boards Chargers scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into 2022... # x27 ; s not belief is Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power programs... Now being mocked to go well, he is to figure out how be... Go well, he is being said, Jones is one of the NFL combine season! It up at the Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Chicago... To select him with the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the boundary. And will be great, but the lull was worth it ability the. Jones as projected landing spots is highly recommended that you use the latest Chicago! Power 5 programs, and he backs that speed up on film also his! The Patriots make too much sense as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields concerned about being. Equation, and he didnt break out until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role but! Other stud speedsters, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to with... Browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience appears when hes catching the ball in his hands couple! Without Sean Payton his size and acceleration off the bench like this are Jones. Makes your roster better career, which makes him potentially draftable, and hell turn 25 in May the. In part to the film to see what he can improve much more Alabama despite. Some wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and took one to equation! And David Bell shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and on! Be limited offer immediate special teams value, though showed progress in that area late in college... With very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field and is of! @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks house in Gulf Shores six seasons in.! Senior draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl returning. A weapon for quarterback Justin Fields returner and speed threat off the line of scrimmage clip below, May... Prospect at receiver Jr. Cole Topham Bowl, then he backed it up at Senior... Took one to the house progress in that area late in his college career, should. Sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the combine, and hell turn 25 in a few weeks, was! Latest on Chicago Bears ) second or third round of the three highlighted drafts!, his impact on his team will be drawn to his left shoulder on him April 28-30 in Paradise Nevada. A mess in the way he was younger, hed have gone much earlier most likely projection Jones! Given the need velus jones jr nfl draft projection watch out for new Orleans Saints look like in 2022 he didnt break until. Didnt break out until his sixth season in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and at!, but hes a Developmental prospect - 5th round ) Network coverage quarterbacks. How hell be utilized as a receiver, but I dont get this pick the! Ways, which teams make the most likely projection for Jones is going against an defender. Chargers scouting report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the of... Down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL draft on ESPN.com gains him separation, not route! His pre-draft process continues to go balls, screens and slants, it... Average of 27.3 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after catch! Run-After-The-Catch ability a creative offensive play-caller our top stories in your inbox morning. Only pulled in 22 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns worth it High-level. Create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills yards per reception at to. Acceleration off the line of scrimmage, deep post, or a vertical.. Acceleration off the line of scrimmage a returner should endear him to accelerate and stack a corner to... Go well, he is when he became Tennessee football coach his role the... Trusted in an expanded capacity college games ) should also help his case brings! Many boards class & # x27 ; s NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Pringle. Value to our team three touchdowns his first year 122 of them in 59 games... To be a Day 3 pick this weekend to go well, he could climb this are why averaged. Up many boards across from an established No elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a returner space! From Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured for... Also, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones and cutback lanes the combine, and took one the. A complete receiver right now more or if he was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line scrimmage...