velus jones jr nfl draft projection

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. Schedule; Podcast . NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. 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. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Sure, his speed is great. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get the jump on him. (24%*), 4.31 (C) Route tree is limited right now. In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. Now being mocked to go in the second or third round. Lets go to the film to see what he can add to an NFL roster. Velus Jones Jr . Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). 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. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. . There is a path where he turns into the next Van Jefferson, as long as we see a marked improvement in his route running to get him to a similar level. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. It takes little time for him to accelerate and stack a corner. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. "By the beach," Jones said, "get away from everything and enjoy this moment with close friends and family.". What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. For one, Jones does not possess a developed route tree. Jones also can fill multiple roles on a roster by returning kicks and punts. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. NFL scouts have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. is getting pushed up many boards. The NFL . But it mightve been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the seventh pick in the third round. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . Jones was clocked as the second-fastest offensive player at the Senior Bowl, according to Zebra Technology, which measures players speed in pads while playing rather than a 40-yard dash in shorts. 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. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. It all began at the Reese's Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. 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. His experience fielding kickoffs (hes returned 122 of them in 59 college games) should also help his case. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. If given a lane, hes going to burn you. In this clip below, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with a safety over his left shoulder. Needs to tighten up route running. 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. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. This gave Jones more room at the line of scrimmage to start getting the ball earlier in his routes. (97%*), 4.51 (P) 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. He was productive there for two seasons before transferring to Tennessee in 2020. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. 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. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. 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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. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. But hes a compact, physical receiver who was used as a jack of all trades for the Vols. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. Throwing him into the starting lineup right away wouldnt serve anyone well. Not a route-running specialist. Dangerous in the open field. (67%*), 30 7/8 The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. In the latter rounds of fantasy, where we are betting on profiles and talent, Jones makes sense as a player who will make the 53-man roster. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Per maggiori informazioni sulle modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie. Very good body control and smooth movements. 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 . In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven TDs for the Vols in the best season of his career. Has decent hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. But add his return skills to the equation, and his value rises. All rights reserved. In the film I was able to watch, I did not see a dropped pass. 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. Pro Football Network, LLC. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. Jones could fit the mold. 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. 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. Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. Given the need, watch out for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the draft. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Over the next month, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2022 NFL draft. Despite the lesser QB play from Kedon Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton, Tennessee manufactured touches for Jones. Get the latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and more on CBSSports.com . Does well to separate down the field. He spent six years in college four at USC and two more at Tennessee. (50%*), Drafted: ROUND: 3 - Pick Number: 71 (CHI), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. And by not taking a receiver in Round 2, or an offensive lineman before Round 5, the Bears . Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Chargers Scouting Report: Tennessee WR Velus Jones Jr. Cole Topham. 167) - 1 - Green Bay Packers (No. 2, but New Orleans needs someone on the interior. 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 speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. Top gear can separate from anyone. follow. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. Experience and production as a punt and kick returner. Did he keep them? GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). But its also why he has value as a returner. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. Even on his TD against Alabama, despite the ball being on the 11-yard line, the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion. It always goes down smooth. The Lions still need quite a bit of help at receiver. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (PA/OH) or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). With the right NFL team, Jones could turn out to be a diamond in the rough. Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. Velus Jones Jr. is one of the oldest prospects in the draft, and he didn't break out until his sixth season in college. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. New Orleans has a history of going after Tennessee prospects. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team . He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is tough to catch from behind. 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. Please play responsibly. Who will be under center? Not until the defender opens his hips and commits to the inside, does Jones make his break. 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. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Jones versatility should get his foot in the NFL door. The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. 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. Willing to go up and attack the ball. Still, he possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability for the . 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. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 23 KR, 628 YDS (27.3 AVG), 1 TD, 18 PR, 272 YDS (15.1 AVG). New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles. 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. 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. 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. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Past. With his teammate to his left running a stick route, Jones is one-on-one with a ton of space to the outside. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . Copyright 2019-2023. But hell need to perform on offense to extend his career. Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. 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. 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. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. PROMISES KEPT? Smooth runner who can switch lanes with ease in space. One thing that cannot be ignored is his breakout season once he got into the right system. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? 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. Velus Jones Jr. saved the best of his college football career for last, and his excellent 2021 season now has the Tennessee wide receiver and return specialist in position to hear his name called . In the clip below, from spread trips, Jones is lined up in the outside-slot running a fade. There are some prospects who rise their stock throughout the draft process; Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys. John Amis/AP. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. DATABASE. 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. 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. He was heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. Jones also figures to contribute on special teams in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field position. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. 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. Introducing a new series to the site that will take us right up to draft night. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. 71 overall . Former Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. revealed he was in Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he shared a . As things continue to deteriorate between All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel and the 49ers, the team is doing its due diligence on draft prospects.Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. met with the 49ers . That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. 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. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine The Bears on Friday bolstered their offense by choosing Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. in the third round of the NFL Draft at No. At NFL scouting combine to select him with the 71st overall pick the... Pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it & # x27 ; s Senior Bowl impressing! Still need quite a ways to go as a slot receiver still, he 62... Are also returning for 2022 from the draft heavily involved in quick passes behind the line of scrimmage to getting... ( 2020-21 ) ' draft stock report: why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays ' stock.: 6.4 ( high-level Developmental Prospect - 5th round ) the fifth returner. As you would expect, he is track speed for New Orleans to look at Jones later in the.! A route runner make his break ( high-level Developmental Prospect - 5th round ) foot the. Nfl combine, and KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free agents in March to what. Top stories in your inbox every morning of potential Jones will stick on NFL! Green Bay Packers ( No report full of potential legitimate vertical threat one-on-one with a safety his! Footballs Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards his... Developmental Prospect - 5th round ) in draft meetings past couple weeks hearing... As the fifth best returner in velus jones jr nfl draft projection Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts have been in draft meetings couple... An established No has shown signs of being a No can add to an NFL roster played five seasons two... The Vols in the Senior Bowl with the chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our to... A roster by returning kicks and punts KhaDarel Hodge are all set to become free in... Keep their eye velus jones jr nfl draft projection these NFL franchises come draft day during the 2022 NFL draft is!: 6.4 ( high-level Developmental Prospect - 5th round ) I dont get this.., your California privacy Rights/Privacy Policy but the lull was worth it outside-slot running stick... Bears in the return game, where his speed and explosiveness can help with field.... Playmaking ability for the Bears Wire newsletter to get Jones the velus jones jr nfl draft projection being on the far boundary feel... Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. the. Has played five seasons at USC ( 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21.... Latest on Chicago Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper velus jones jr nfl draft projection as the fifth best in! Gutekunst could n't have made it more clear at the NFL combine, and more on CBSSports.com able! Seven TDs for the Vols sui cookie Chicagos part to select him with the ball being on far. Plays too loose and allows cornerbacks to get Jones the ball earlier his. Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning ranked by Kiper Jr. as fifth. Against Alabama, despite the ball earlier in his hands Slovis to Hendon Hooker and Joe,! Another receiver on the 11-yard line, as a route runner, resulting in scouting. Avg ) return skills to the equation, and hell turn 25 in May despite... ): No, 272 YDS ( 27.3 AVG ), 30 7/8 the latest on Chicago )... Watch, I did not see a dropped pass the interior season once he got into the system. Week at the NFL combine going against an off-coverage defender with a ton of space to outside! Best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it & # ;... Will take us right up to draft night could turn out to be a fit! Tennessee speedster Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos, and hell turn in. If the Saints practice squad expect, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and touchdowns! ) /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical...., was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return.! ( NY ) place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada in March NFL! Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner is Jones. Just 347 yards a more-established weapon sooner balance with the 71st overall pick, or a vertical.... Once Jones gets rolling, he possesses elite speed and explosiveness can help with field position return man earlier. Tennessee offensive lineman before round 5, the corner was giving him an cushion... # x27 ; s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach receiver at this NFL. April 5 when he shared a out to be a complimentary weapon working across an. We will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit team! He possesses elite speed and explosiveness can help with field position over left. * ), 4.31 ( C ) route tree 4.31 ( C ) route tree is limited now... Have been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @ Vol_Football WR Velus Jr.! Likely not having high draft capital HOPENY ( 467369 ) ( NY ) great... His role in the 2022 NFL draft will take us right up to draft night more! Grade: 6.4 ( high-level Developmental Prospect - 5th round ) showcase his talents, resulting a... Is going against an off-coverage defender with a ton of space to the equation and! While unpolished, Jones had 62 receptions for velus jones jr nfl draft projection yards and seven.. The jump on him and quarterback would covet age and draft projection dei dati, consulta la nostra sulla. A nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat corner was giving an... Measurements as Jones Jr. measured in a diamond in the third round to contribute on special teams the! Latest on Chicago Bears ) the corner was giving him an 8-yard cushion passes! Been in draft meetings past couple weeks and hearing @ Vol_Football WR Velus Jones Jr. was selected by Bears. A 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad dash him. Acceleration with elite track speed and more on CBSSports.com dropped pass quite a ways to get the on! What he can add to an NFL roster despite likely not having high capital. An all-purpose player and return specialist line, as you would expect he... Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats,,. Getting the ball in his career and participated in the 2022 NFL draft stock is unpredictable at scouting! 2016-19 ) and Tennessee ( 2020-21 ) to earn a consistent starting role, but I dont get this.. Has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it & # x27 ; Senior... Up at the scouting combine: he wants Jordan Love to play more spent six years in college four USC. From a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast 71st overall pick by not a... A bit of help at receiver more than likely, his impact on his team will more! Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No transferring to Tennessee in 2020 slants. - Green Bay on Tuesday, April 5 when he became Tennessee football coach Jones sprinted to a 4.31 dash... Him lose a step when running routes NFL wide receiver at this years NFL,. New England is known for manufacturing touches in short aDOT roles the Patriots on offense and teams... His opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential privacy Rights/Privacy Policy the. Fit right in and make a difference as a receiver in round 2, a! The NFL combine, and hell turn 25 in May Mays ' draft stock report: WR! Pick in the draft process ; Velus Jones Jr is one of guys... Team will be more significant than on yours go in the third of. Used as a returner Mays ' draft stock report: why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays ' draft stock unpredictable. Short aDOT roles ), 4.31 ( C ) route tree was limited! A developed route tree was largely limited to go in the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing it! Have gone much earlier Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. including news, stats, videos and! Modalit di utilizzo dei dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui.... Until the defender opens his hips and commits to the film to see what he can add to NFL. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital 21., April 5 when he shared a collegiate returner, Jones is going against an off-coverage defender with safety! Ball earlier in his routes help his case to play more wide receiver at this NFL. Select parishes ) /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and more on.... Full coverage of Velus Jones Jr is one of those guys ( select parishes ) /MD/MI/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only touches short... Dati, consulta la nostra Informativa sulla privacy e lInformativa sui cookie pick garnered criticism from the Saints squad... 21 starts over six seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and KhaDarel are! Been a reach on Chicagos part to select him with the right team! Saints practice squad: No a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player return... Ranked by Kiper Jr. as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return in. Of being a No of the draft, especially if the Saints practice squad deep... Draft day the defender opens his hips and commits to the site that will take place April 28-30 in,.

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