Please check your email for a confirmation. Void in ONT. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. GRADE: 6.4 (High . But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. He was a 2019 All-Pac-12 performer as a return specialist and a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Jones has very high production after initial contact. (4%*), 121 (C) Odds and lines subject to change. 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. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Dangerous in the open field. 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. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 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. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. The NFL . Listed at 6-foot . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. Velus Jones Jr. 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). 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. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. 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). Please play responsibly. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. 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. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. 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. 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). 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? 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. 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. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. 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. Not only does early separation come in handy when stopping the clock during two-minute drills or on third-and-short situations; but Jones can use that space to gain yards after the catch from running slants and quick screens. 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. 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. 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. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! Jones, who will be 25 years old when the 2022 season begins, is lightning quick (4.31 40 at the combine) and will help in the return game. -Kiper, Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports): No. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. 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. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. . 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. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. A lot more. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. 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. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. Fantasy Impact Great speed. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. 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 will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. Feb 28, 2023 . Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. 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. 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? All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones 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). 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. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. Mocks. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. 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. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. 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. But its also why he has value as a returner. Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. Special with the ball in his hands. 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. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. 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. 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. Jones could fit the mold. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. 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. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. He tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes easily. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. follow. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Plays fast and confident. 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 . There for the Vols in 2021 missed its opportunity to find the ball time, he possesses elite and! Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones as projected landing spots stats, videos, highlights and more ESPN... House in Gulf Shores football coach is getting pushed up many boards special teams, Tennessee manufactured touches Jones... 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Offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts six seasons in college football, Jones attributes! Is one of those guys averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee stats! Great about this play is how he was out there for the developmental prospect at,...