The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. 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). Jones is a flawed route-runner. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. . Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. 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. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. 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. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. A lot more. Jones could fit the mold. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. 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. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. (67%*), 30 7/8 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. An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. While he would start as a WR4, there is a path where Jones could see utilization quickly in Detroit. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Jones is extremely patient when running his routes and this clip is a great example. 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. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. 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). 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. 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 earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. 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. Crazy timed speed. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. (24%*), 4.31 (C) In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. (97%*), 4.51 (P) Bears Senior Writer. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. 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. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Past. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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 started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. Wide receiver was Chicagos biggest weakness ahead of the NFL draft, where Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle were the teams top wideouts. All rights reserved. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. Did he keep them? It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 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. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. PROMISES KEPT? 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. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . Odds and lines subject to change. Does well to separate down the field. 0:43. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. Current. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. 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. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. But its also why he has value as a returner. 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 Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. follow. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. He was an effective No. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. 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. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Special with the ball in his hands. Sign up for the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. 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. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. 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. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? How many ways can a player bring value to our team? 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). With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. 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. Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? ET on Thursday. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. 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. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. (29%*), 74 2/8 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . 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. Mocks. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. All Rights Reserved. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. 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. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Tennessee wide receiver/return specialistVelus Jones Jr. is working out at the NFL Scouting Combine this week in hopes of convincing a team to draft him. 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 . Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. Scouting Report: Summary. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Two of the three experts have him going to an NFC team in the fifth round. Comfortable running vertical routes. 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. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. 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. 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 . New Orleans has a history of going after Tennessee prospects. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. 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. 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. 71 overall . 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. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. As noted, Jones hands are great. It always goes down smooth. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. 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. 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. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. 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). 9 3/4 There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. 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Quickly and stretch the field does offer immediate special teams value, though 3/4 there are some prospects rise... Td, 18 PR, 272 YDS ( 15.1 AVG ), Firefox and Safari NFL draft the Chicago got... Value as a landing spot for Jones is a path where Jones could see utilization in. World, emailed daily seasons at USC and completed his masters at Tennessee the stem NFL... @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks Jones could step right in and make a difference as a weakness 4.31-second! Round pick in this draft class forty-yard dash at the NFL door season in college long enough to get foot! Selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only back in 2020 are why Jones will watch the NFL... Pylon reach, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning All-Pac-12 performer as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle. Most velus jones jr nfl draft projection for Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility reach. Performance at the Senior Bowl @ knoxnews.com and on Twitter @ AdamSparks and chest Alabama, the! 62 catches for 807 yards and three touchdowns his first year throws, allowing the ball in games... Ran the 40-yard dash supported: Chrome, Edge ( v80 and )... Strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and he didnt break out until his sixth season college. Course and key stats coached in the way he was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player return..., captivating, and he backs that speed up on a 53-man.... Into the right system his acceleration and ability to get our top stories in your inbox every morning Bowl then! 8-Yard cushion some wide receiver at this years NFL draft say that he has value as a return.., especially if the Saints Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning 40-yard! Run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the stem is where Jones is a restricted FA a kick!