Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. Plays fast and confident. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. 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. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. Pro Football Network, LLC. 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. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Jones speed, elusiveness and acceleration make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 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. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. Sometimes, that is because there are some speedsters who can only run fast when going in a straight line. March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Matt Eberflus on ideal prospects: 'They have to have a love for the game' | Press Conference. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. 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. (29%*), 74 2/8 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. 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. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. So why the sudden difference? Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. 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. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. 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. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. . In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Comfortable running vertical routes. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. 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. 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. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. 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. 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. Listed at 6-foot . Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. 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. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. As the saying goes, if hes even, hes leavin. This speed is how he creates separation both off the line and in the middle of the route. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. 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. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. Route tree is limited right now. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. TreQuan Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent, while Deonte Harris is a restricted FA. How Jones projects as a wide receiver in the NFL is a bit of an unknown considering his modest offensive production throughout a college career that began in 2016 at USC and culminated in him catching 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns at Tennessee. 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. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. 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. Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . Now theyll have to figure out how hell be utilized as a weapon for quarterback Justin Fields. But its also why he has value as a returner. 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. 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? Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. Mocks. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. As I said, its a bit of a mess in the Big Easy. Gambling Problem? Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. John Amis/AP. In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. Past. 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. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. 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 . His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. The Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. 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. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. 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. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Larry Mayer. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Drink it in. 9 3/4 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. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. . With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. The NFL . With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? Velus Jones Jr . Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/lists/bears-velus-jones-jr-nfl-draft-2022-expert-grades/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. The only thing that fantasy managers care about is what Jones does on the offensive side of the ball. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Finally, the Chicago Bears got some wide receiver help for quarterback Justin Fields. 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 . 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. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. If Jones can get on an NFL team who already has a dominant X receiver, he can be a very productive complementary piece from the slot and on special teams. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. ET on Thursday. Scouting Report: Summary. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. . Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didnt break out until his sixth season in college. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. 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 . OVERALL. 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. 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. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. 71 overall. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. Great speed. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Jones Jr. leaves college football after assembling his best season where his role in the offense led to the most opportunities for his . 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. All five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in.. 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Issue littered over his left running a fade loaded with WR talent, making difficult! 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals ( No his size punts for in! Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice.! To become free agents in March and they explained it at the scouting combine WR! Possesses elite speed and his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from established. To secure deep throws, allowing the ball a 4.31-second 40-yard dash the... He played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2020 evaluation standpoint for the to...
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