velus jones jr nfl draft projection
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). But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. ET on Thursday. Does well to separate down the field. 171) - 1 Round 6 - Cincinnati Bengals (No. 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. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. 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. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Then his performance at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile helped too. 1. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. Comfortable running vertical routes. . 9 3/4 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. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. Pat Mayo breaks down his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational DraftKings Picks while previewing the course and key stats. But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. 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. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. Copyright 2019-2023. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. Gambling Problem? In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. Did he keep them? 2023 www.knoxnews.com. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . (29%*), 74 2/8 Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? Maybe Jones joins them. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. 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. Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. 209, Cincinnati Bengals. Crazy timed speed. Old prospect whos already 25. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. The issue is we dont know how long this will take, nor how long a team is willing to wait for this improvement to come. 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. Eligibility restrictions apply. 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. We break down Tennessee Velus Jones Jr. with a scouting report and fantasy football outlook heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. Please check your email for a confirmation. 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. (97%*), 4.51 (P) It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. Furthermore, Jones' hands are a concern. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. 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. An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. Does not flash much ability to catch outside of his frame or in traffic. 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. Check out his YAC from the 2021 season: Best Draft WRs after the catch pic.twitter.com/A46NWLmVR3, No Flags Film (@NoFlagsFilm) March 30, 2022. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. Jones has very high production after initial contact. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. 9 Texas vs. No. 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. 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. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. Velus Jones is an overaged prospect who offers help to a team as both a WR and kick returner. Jones showed in Senior Bowl workouts that he can adjust his body well and utilize his speed to beat defenders for catches. Current. 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 . 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. A lot more. Began his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. Dangerous in the open field. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. Jones has real potential, but hed be best served competing with Deonte Harty and Marquez Callaway in the rotation behind Michael Thomas and a new starter. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. New Orleans has a history of going after Tennessee prospects. Yahoo fa parte della famiglia di brand di Yahoo. Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. Route tree is limited right now. 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. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. 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. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. Not a route-running specialist. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. 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. Will Michael Thomas be back, and how close will he look to the receiver we last saw back in 2020? In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. GRADE: 6.4 (High . Jones would fit right in for the Patriots on offense and special teams. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. He finished as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career. Mel Kiper/Todd McShay (ESPN): No. 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. As wide receiver alone, Jones may be a coin flip as an NFL player. Larry Mayer. Past. Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. 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 the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. 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. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Not only is Jones a capable receiver, but he might be the best returner of the 2022 NFL Draft class. If his pre-draft process continues to go well, he could climb . Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. The Bears passed up on a handful of more proven receivers, including Jalen Tolbert, Calvin Austin III and David Bell. 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 . His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. The NFL . 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. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. 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. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. 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. But its also why he has value as a returner. Scouting Report: Summary. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 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. 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. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Doesnt quite play to that level. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. PROMISES KEPT? 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. 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 . 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. 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. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Velus Jones He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. 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 . After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. 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. For fantasy, unless you play in leagues that reward return yards, it doesnt matter. 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. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. Pro Football Network, LLC. Heres a collection of all of the grades for Jones from various sports outlets, and the analysts think the Bears mightve reached on Jones, who has electric speed but remains unproven. 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. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. He only pulled in 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns his first year. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. 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. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. Void in ONT. Jones could fit the mold. Velus Jones Jr . We can make the argument that if he just landed in that scheme to begin with, he could have flourished; but hes only just now getting started. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the Vols in 2021. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 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. Jones fakes to the inside and gets open shortly after the sticks. 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? View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Kick-return specialty appears when hes catching the ball on offense. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . All Rights Reserved. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . Latest on Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . . He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. (4%*), 121 (C) March 10, 2022 10:00 am PT. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. 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). Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. 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. 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. 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. NFL MOCK DRAFT. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Please check your email for a confirmation. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! He ended the season with 1,722 all-purpose yards, which was third in the SEC conference. 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. follow. So, its fair to say that he has some experience with the ball in his hands. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. 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 will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. 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.