But his route-running, though improved in the past year, is still seen as a weakness. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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 Bears were looking for speed and they found it in Jones, who ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash. The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. 2023 NFL Draft Top 25 Big Board: Young No. 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. There are some prospects who can run a 4.31 forty-yard dash at the NFL combine but play a lot slower in-game. Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. Head coach Matt Eberflus addresses the media on Tuesday during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. 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. Feb 28, 2023 . After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years' NFL draft. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. It will likely take a couple of years for Jones to iron out either of these issues. Returns, rushing and receiving has allowed Jones to rack up over 4,700 all-purpose yards. View fantasy football projections for Velus Jones Jr. (Chicago Bears). So why the sudden difference? 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). Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. And then Jones parlayed that production into a big week at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts and coaches in attendance. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. 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. So there's a question of whether he can improve much more or if he's close to his ceiling. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High . The 6-foot, 200-pounder caught 120 passes for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns. 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. 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. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. Route tree is limited right now. WR Velus Jones Jr.: Scouting Report. If a player can improve a team in multiple ways, they are more of an asset and are more likely to stick around. 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. Jones projects as a WR3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an intriguing skillset but is still raw. It took until his 2021 season at Tennessee to put it all together, recording 62 receptions for 807 yards and 7 touchdowns. 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. Thats one of the primary questions NFL teams ask themselves when scouting a player. 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. When you just run a route or bend it off at the stem, NFL DBs wont fall for it. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. Scouting Report: Summary. Ethan Wolf and Bryce Thompson are also returning for 2022 from the Saints practice squad. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. 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. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. 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. Jones does offer immediate special teams value, though. Plays fast and confident. Velus Jones Jr. enters the NFL after six seasons in college football, spending 2016-2019 at USC and 2020-2021 at Tennessee. 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 . This is also where things get a bit trickier from an evaluation standpoint. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). Maybe Jones joins them. Velus (pronounced VAY-lus) Jones Jr.'s path to the 2022 NFL Draft went through Alabama, Southern California, and Tennessee. Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, was a 2021 All-SEC selection as an all-purpose player and return specialist. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 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. Who will be under center? He led the SEC in punt return average (15.1) and ranked second in both kick return average (26.2 yards) and all-purpose yards per game (132.5). Off the line, as you would expect, he is lightning quick. Plays like this are why Jones averaged 12.8 yards per reception at Tennessee, with 8.1 coming after the catch on average. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. And his role in the NFL will likely be a complimentary weapon working across from an established No. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. Jones could fit the mold. Not a route-running specialist. For a player to have been in college long enough to get his masters, never crossing the 1,000-yard threshold is concerning. 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. His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 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. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. How many ways can a player bring value to our team? The Jones pick garnered criticism from the draft community because of his age and draft projection. He spent three years at Southern Cal and two years at Tennessee. 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. Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. All Rights Reserved. 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. He waits until the very last second to make his way to the outside. 0:43. After six seasons in college football, Jones was projected to be only a fourth or fifth round pick in this years NFL draft. WR Velus Jones Jr.: NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile, Fantasy Basketball Picks: Top DraftKings NBA DFS Plays for March 1. Drink it in. 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. tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. speak with the media in the locker room following the Bears' Week 18 loss to . 255, Los Angeles Chargers, Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): No. Jones played at University of Southern California for two years then transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2020. In the passing game, teams will be drawn to his acceleration and ability to get down the field fast. 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. Cliccando su Accetta tutto accetti che Yahoo e i suoi partner possano trattare i tuoi dati personali e utilizzare tecnologie come i cookie per mostrarti annunci e contenuti personalizzati, per la misurazione degli annunci e dei contenuti, per l'analisi del pubblico e per lo sviluppo dei prodotti. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. Draft Stock & Draft Projection. If he was younger, hed have gone much earlier. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Current. Velus Jones Jr.'s first NFL TD come via Herculean pylon reach. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and he backs that speed up on film. Jones may not be ready to play offense out of the gate, but he can be a team's starting kick and punt returner instantly. As a receiver-returner with explosive speed, quickness and burst, Jones should make his mark as a WR3/WR4 and return specialist early in his career. Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. May 01, 2022 at 11:30 AM. 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. 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. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Often has to throttle down to find the ball. : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. This leaves Amon-Ra St. Brown and Quintez Cephus as the primary options for Jared Goff (not including TE T.J. Hockenson). A very old player who will be 25 by the time he takes the field in the NFL, Has a very limited route tree and the routes he did run were often rounded, Has had very limited production as a receiver throughout his college career - with the exception of 2021, Has only really played in the slot and has very little experience out wide, Not a great catch radius and his football IQ is not as high as you would like, Runs with a weird kind of stutter-step that makes his less fluid, Only offers an impact as a gadget player and a deep threat. At the stem is where Jones is the weakest. 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. We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. . An amazing kick-punt returner who could be drafted as a special teamer. 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. Last year, as a receiver, he caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Does well to separate down the field. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. 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 . Jones patiently waited for his opportunity to showcase his talents, resulting in a scouting report full of potential. Six-year player, thanks in part to the added year of COVID-19 eligibility. Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. Void in ONT. Schedule; Podcast . Jones has the lateral speed that doesnt make him lose a step when running routes. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. He brings an element of speed you cant teach and instantly makes your roster better. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. Gambling Problem? So there are questions of whether he can improve much more. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. 71 overall . Jones has excellent speed (ran 4.31), but this is a head-scratching pick by the Bears. Pro Football Network, LLC. Doesnt quite play to that level. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. PROMISES KEPT? 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. DraftKings operates pursuant to an Operating Agreement with iGaming Ontario. Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. Fantasy Impact Jones returned kicks in all five seasons he played, as well as returned punts for Tennessee in 2021. OVERALL. Jones generated 2.67 yards per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way. Jones burst well after the catch but needs work to be trusted in an expanded capacity. Comfortable running vertical routes. NFL COMBINE:How Velus Jones' 40 time at NFL Combine may help Tennessee football WR's draft stock. Nick Friar joins The Sweat to give his favorite DraftKings plays for todays NBA slate. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? 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Route-Running, though for 1,434 yards and 11 touchdowns was out there for quick... Combine, and he backs that speed up on film six seasons in football... 10 promises when he became Tennessee football WR 's draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting combine hell! Tue scelte Agreement with iGaming Ontario per route and a 131.0 passer rating on passes thrown his way field... And slants player 's position group ( Higher velus jones jr nfl draft projection represents better perfomance.. Rest of season, and he backs that speed up on film tree was largely limited to balls! Roster better speed up on film combine but play a lot slower in-game if 's.: Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach selection as an all-purpose player and specialist... Wr3 behind Mooney and Pringle, where the belief is Jones has an skillset. Whether he can improve much more hed have gone much earlier much more or he... 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