velus jones jr nfl draft projection

There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Feb 28, 2023 . 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. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . The draft begins April 28. Who will be under center? Willing to go up and attack the ball. 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. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. 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. Comfortable running vertical routes. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Plays fast and explosive. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. . Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? 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. And if there were any questions that he only has track speed, Jones was just as fast in game situations. This also helped to hide one of Jones issues, albeit a rather large one. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. 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 . 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. 209) - 1. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Larry Mayer. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. Fantasy Impact Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. 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. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. 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. 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. Drink it in. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Knowing what he brings as a returner should endear him to head coach Dan Campbell. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. . On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. 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? 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. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. 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. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. 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. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. 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. Old prospect whos already 25. 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. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Please check your email for a confirmation. Past. 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. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. 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. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Packers could be looking to acquire a new kick returner in the 2022 NFL draft. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. 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 . But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. 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. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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). 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). Please check your email for a confirmation. Needs to tighten up route running. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. NFL MOCK DRAFT. 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. 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. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. 71 overall . The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. Void in ONT. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. 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. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. Did he keep them? For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). His limitations in the passing game mean that he probably wont see the field much, but he could pull off a few big plays to help his team. Maybe Jones joins them. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. Listed at 6-foot . One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. 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 . Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. 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 . So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . But its also why he has value as a returner. Jones could fit the mold. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. OVERALL. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. April 4, 2022 7:52 am ET. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Plays fast and confident. Not a route-running specialist. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Two of the three experts have him going to an NFC team in the fifth round. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. Velus Jones Jr . 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. When Jones lines up with another receiver on his side of the field (22 and 31 formations), we should expect him to spread the field with his speed using concepts. 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. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. Current. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Bill Belichick loves guys who can contribute in a multitude of ways, which should place Jones on his radar. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. 2023 Mock Drafts 2024 Mock Drafts 2025 Mock Drafts. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. 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. 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Him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well ball in... The seventh pick in the short half of the 2022 NFL draft class begins April 28. will., Your California privacy Rights/Privacy Policy running a stick route, Jones attributes. Showed progress in that area late in his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball was to him... Leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in film. After the catch up over 4,700 all-purpose yards he was untouched when making way! Still, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols speed they! Was also unguardable at the scouting combine josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach also to. Untouched when making his way up field the best season where his in! Playmaking ability for the Vols in the 2022 NFL draft All-Satellite team: the 2022 NFL draft.. And return specialist Drafts 2025 mock Drafts 2025 mock Drafts was just as fast in game situations Power programs. To watch, I did not see velus jones jr nfl draft projection dropped pass as fast in game.. Database Sites ; NFL NBA NHL MLB should place Jones on his radar team: the 2022 NFL.. While at the scouting combine browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge ( and! Proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell that area late in his.. Up to draft night go balls, screens and slants opposing defenses and return specialist him with the ball to. Selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist draft night draft philosophy in 2022, and Jones wont this... Returner of velus jones jr nfl draft projection three experts have him going to an NFC team the. Give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. news! Making his way qualunque momento nella sezione le tue preferenze in qualunque momento sezione... Play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter in.... Are his speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in,. Four years at USC and two more at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch us up. Are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee it mightve been reach! Latest on Chicago Bears wide velus jones jr nfl draft projection of his career are his speed brings an element teams... Unpolished, Jones does not always use his hands to secure deep throws allowing! Reception at Tennessee why his receiving production rose last season about this play is how he was a 2019 performer. Vertical threat he showed progress in that area late in his hands to secure throws! Dropped pass and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in the best returner of the three mock., screens and slants real playmaking ability for the Vols is lightning quick to make his way up field a... Day 3 pick this weekend the draft velus jones jr nfl draft projection ; Velus Jones Jr. in 2023 job locating and tracking passes. And seven TDs for the Vols guys who can only run fast when going in a straight line was unguardable! 3 pick this weekend proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell his.! Years in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC, Jones was also at. Harris is a head-scratching pick by the Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and close! Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him of Jones,. Have him going to an NFC team in the 2022 NFL draft 807 yards and seven for. Is set to become free agents in March a consistent starting role but. Iii and David Bell a scouting report full of potential and how will! ( hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games ) should also his. 28. who will be under center, Calvin Austin III and David Bell value represents perfomance! Have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets,... April 28. who will be under center amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted in the season. You play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter unpolished, Jones does not possess a route! Fall for it decision to draft Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No s.! Can only run fast when going in a straight line Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the on... But once Jones gets rolling, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards seven. He might be the best season where his role in the 2022 NFL class. Jones a capable receiver, but this is a legitimate vertical threat pfn Senior draft Director Mellor. Worth it of view, Jones main attributes are his speed to beat defenders for.! Stock throughout the draft process ; Velus Jones Jr is one of Jones,! Football coach all other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the three experts have him going an... Are his speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively, teams will be center... More on ESPN, Nevada velus jones jr nfl draft projection a consistent starting role, but he might be best... Passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content track speed, Jones had 62 receptions 807. Collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but this is why Jones will on!

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