Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. (97%*), 4.51 (P) Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The NFL . 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. GRADE: 6.4 (High . 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. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Plays fast and explosive. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 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. 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. 9 Texas vs. No. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. Please play responsibly. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Special with the ball in his hands. Throughout the game, once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps back pre-snap. 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. Pro Football Network, LLC. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. He returned 23 kick for 628 yards, an average of 27.3 yards per return, and took one to the house. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. 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. 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. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. 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. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. Drink it in. With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. Very good body control and smooth movements. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. 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. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. 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. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 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. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. Velus Jones Jr. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. 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. 1. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . 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. Feb 28, 2023 . *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 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? Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. A very old player who will be 25 by the time he takes the field in the NFL, Has a very limited route tree and the routes he did run were often rounded, Has had very limited production as a receiver throughout his college career - with the exception of 2021, Has only really played in the slot and has very little experience out wide, Not a great catch radius and his football IQ is not as high as you would like, Runs with a weird kind of stutter-step that makes his less fluid, Only offers an impact as a gadget player and a deep threat. Please check your email for a confirmation. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. 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 . It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. 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. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. 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. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Sure, his speed is great. 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). 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. 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. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. 0:43. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Needs to tighten up route running. We are now in the throws of Pro Day season. Schedule; Podcast . 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 . 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. 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 . Copyright 2019-2023. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. 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 . Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. 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