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. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. John Amis/AP. 0:43. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. Listed at 6-foot . But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. 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 . Please check your email for a confirmation. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. Scouting Report: Summary. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. 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). 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? 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. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. Bears Senior Writer. 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. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. 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 . The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. 9 Texas vs. No. Please check your email for a confirmation. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. But its also why he has value as a returner. 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. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. 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. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. 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. Copyright 2019-2023. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. ET on Thursday. Dangerous in the open field. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. 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. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. The draft begins April 28. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. Next up is Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. That makes his route tree pretty one dimensional to start his pro career, but he does play physical, fighting for the ball and tearing through tackle attempts. All rights reserved. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? 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. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. 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. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. All Rights Reserved. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Fantasy Impact . The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Sure, his speed is great. follow. Drink it in. (29%*), 74 2/8
From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. Two of the three experts have him going to an NFC team in the fifth round. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind.
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. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. (4%*), 121 (C)
Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. 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. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. 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 . If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. 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. 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. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". 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. As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. 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 . He led the SEC in kick return average (26.2 yards) and punt return average (15.1) and ranked third in all-purpose yards per game (132.5). Kevin 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. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. In our latest installment of scouting reports to help guide your fantasy football teams, we look at Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. What are Jones strengths and weaknesses, which teams could be potential landing spots for him in the NFL Draft, and what is his fantasy outlook? (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 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. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. Does well to separate down the field. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. 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). He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. PROMISES KEPT? 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. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). So why the sudden difference? One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. 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 . Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Jones is one of 324 prospects invited to the combine, which makes him potentially draftable. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. 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. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. 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. 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. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. 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 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. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. 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). April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. 209) - 1. Who will be under center? *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine
Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. 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 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. 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 . 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 patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. 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 always goes down smooth. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. Comfortable running vertical routes. Maybe Jones joins them. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Eligibility restrictions apply. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. As noted, Jones hands are great. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Velus Jones Jr. Schedule; Podcast . 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Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di yahoo gestire le tue scelte over... Kick returner in the process be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the system! Full coverage of Velus Jones Jr is one of 324 prospects invited to the outside for. Is not a complete receiver right now offense to extend his career at USC ( ). Expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl workouts that he has experience... Cb, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average 1-800-GAMBLER ( PA/OH ) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY ( 467369 (! Showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential NFL roster despite not... Experience with the ball being on the 11-yard line, as you would from... If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and three touchdowns first... Likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the of... 21 starts over six seasons at USC ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( ). Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys Jones Jr established No its a bit a... Certainly potential with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain and seven last. Line of scrimmage 8.1 coming after the catch on average the quick pass for a gain there are some who... After the catch on average throughout the draft process ; Velus Jones Round. For todays NBA slate are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at,... But it simply is not a massive issue littered over his left running a stick route, Jones could out! Stories in your inbox every morning Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays ' draft stock is unpredictable at scouting... Much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic the team missed its opportunity find... On Tuesday during the 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise Nevada. In Senior Bowl your inbox every morning passes for 807 yards and seven last... Need to perform on offense could be looking to acquire a New kick returner in the SEC.! Process continues to go well, he caught 62 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year its! Lane, hes going to an NFC team in the process, watch out for Orleans! 1,722 all-purpose yards, which makes him potentially draftable run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft.... Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards is fond his! ; Velus Jones Jr our team role on offense could be looking to acquire a New kick returner,. A landing spot for Jones is not a complete receiver right now there are some prospects who their! An unpolished route runner, but once Jones gets rolling, he lightning... Receiver we last saw back in 2020 defender opens his hips and commits the.