So why the sudden difference? Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Please check your email for a confirmation. Jones turns 25 in a few weeks, which turned off some teams. It started with his measurements as Jones Jr. measured in . Tracking where Velus Jones Jr. could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. That makes his route tree pretty one dimensional to start his pro career, but he does play physical, fighting for the ball and tearing through tackle attempts. Puoi cambiare le tue preferenze in qualunque momento nella sezione Le tue impostazioni per la privacy. The change came in the way he was utilized at Tennessee. 9 Texas vs. No. More than likely, his impact on his team will be more significant than on yours. 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' 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. An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. 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. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Marquez Callaway has shown signs of being a No. 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. On the boundary, its either a hitch, deep post, or a vertical route. Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/velus-jones-2022-nfl-draft/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. In his four years at USC, Jones recorded just 347 yards. 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. This is what will keep him on a 53-man roster. But what is great about this play is how he was untouched when making his way up field. As a returner he is elite and will likely make an impact early, however, he is somewhat limited as a wide receiver where he is very raw and only really offers anything as a deep threat and as a speed threat in the screen game. Maybe Jones will be great, but I dont get this pick. 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. The Chicago Bears select Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. Jones appeared in 61 games with 21 starts over six seasons at USC (2016-19) and Tennessee (2020-21). Ahead of the 2022 NFL draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. provided top-25 player rankings and the top-10 prospects at every position. In all likelihood, in most standard leagues, Jones wont be on the fantasy radar this season. His speed brings an element most teams are not ready for defensively. Jones has played five seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 years old in May. With the NFL Draft closing in, which teams make the most sense for Jones as projected landing spots? His size and acceleration off the line of scrimmage make him a good fit as a slot receiver. 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 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. 1 wideout like Michael Thomas. Jones could step right in and make a difference as a return man. 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. Drink it in. 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. Hes a developmental prospect at receiver, but hes certainly got an intriguing skillset to work with. 0:43. Hes an unpolished route runner, but hes one of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class. Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills. What will the offense look like without Sean Payton? Uncomfortable seeing the ball in at times. Schedule; Podcast . Clicca su Gestisci impostazioni per maggiori informazioni e per gestire le tue scelte. But if his route-running is too loose, his role on offense could be limited. Jones has very good lateral quickness that he was able to show throughout his college career. It worked in college because DBs were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat his speed presents. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. 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. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Pro Football Network, LLC. YAC phenom in the Deebo Samuel mold. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). : Josh Heupel made 10 promises when he became Tennessee football coach. Hes able to haul a back shoulder catch surrounded by three defenders. Special with the ball in his hands. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 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. Based on his scouting report, fantasy managers should keep their eye on these NFL franchises come draft day. The inline receiver would block the CB, with Jones getting the quick pass for a gain. 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 NFL . Jones stock rose during his final season at Tennessee. 30 Days and 30 Players the Colts are/could be interested in. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Round 5 - Dallas Cowboys (No. The Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice, and Jones wont give this offense the size it needs at wide receiver. Sign up for the Bears Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. One of their top ways to get Jones the ball was to stack him and another receiver on the far boundary. Get instant advice on your decision to draft Marquez Callaway or Velus Jones Jr. in 2023. Jones has very high production after initial contact. The draft begins April 28. 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. Most of the time, he was out there for the quick pass pseudo screen. 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. Prior to last season, Jones had never had more than 280 receiving yards in a season. 22 TCU on Wednesday, March 1, Picks, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No. (4%*), 121 (C)
PFN Senior Draft Director Cam Mellor noted this while at the Senior Bowl earlier in the month. McShay has identified the best pick for all 32 teams, stressing that it's not . 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 . A lot more. Follow full coverage of Velus Jones Jr. during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. But Jones played five seasons in two premier Power 5 programs, and hell turn 25 in May. He would be a good pick on the third day of the draft, especially if the Saints add a more-established weapon sooner. But the team missed its opportunity to find a legit target earlier in the process. The New Orleans Saints would be a great landing spot for Tennessee prospect Velus Jones Jr., a rising prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. Velus Jones Jr.s speed and explosiveness are undeniable. 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. McShay's NFL draft All-Satellite team: The 2022 class' best playmakers in space . We offer weekly, rest of season, and full season projections. Tennessee footballs Velus Jones Jr. was selected by theChicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick. Throughout the game, once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps back pre-snap. He offers little to sell his route to the DB. 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. What about the status of Alvin Kamara? 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. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration with elite track speed. Chicago isnt concerned about Jones being a 25-year-old rookie and is fond of his run-after-the-catch ability. Did he keep them? That being said, Jones is not a complete receiver right now. 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. As fantasy managers watch the NFL Draft, what does Velus Jones Jr.'s scouting report say, and which teams could be potential landing spots? 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst couldn't have made it more clear at the scouting combine: He wants Jordan Love to play more. Oh, and how do they handle being a projected $76.16 million over the salary cap? https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. NFL MOCK DRAFT. As noted, Jones hands are great. That said, hes an explosive pass-catcher with elite speed who should help Darnell Mooney challenge opposing defenses. 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. GRADE: 6.4 (High-level Developmental Prospect - 5th Round). OVERALL. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts! DATABASE. Jones projects as a WR3 for the Bears behind Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. Mocks. Im not saying this doesnt happen, but it simply is not a massive issue littered over his film. 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. After using their first two draft picks on defense, the Chicago Bears finally got quarterback Justin Fields a weapon in Tennessee wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. with the 71st overall pick. Velus Jones Jr. started his college career in California, signing with the USC Trojans out of high school. All of this can and will be coached in the NFL, assuming Jones is viewed as more than a returner. . Jones will watch the 87th NFL Draft at a beach house in Gulf Shores. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Jones speed is what gains him separation, not his route running. 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. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash made him the second-fastest wide receiver at this years NFL combine. 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. Top gear can separate from anyone. This is why Jones will stick on an NFL roster despite likely not having high draft capital. It took until his sixth collegiate season to earn a consistent starting role, but the lull was worth it. Those little nuances are how high-level receivers get separation. He may not have the immediate acceleration of some other stud speedsters, but once Jones gets rolling, he is . Theres certainly potential with Jones, whos the best yards-after-the-catch receiver in this draft class. He finished last season as the FBS active leader with 2,973 kick return yards in his career and participated in the Senior Bowl. Finally, some help for Justin Fields. As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones is fast. 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. Current. The most likely projection for Jones is a starting returner and speed threat off the bench. Where he really stood out was on special teams as a kick returner. 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. Last season, Jones caught 62 passes for over 800 yards, seven touchdowns and had three games where he had over 100+ receiving yards. Former Tennessee wide receiver and returner Velus Jones Jr. was ranked by Kiper Jr. as the fifth best returner in the 2022 NFL draft. His route tree was largely limited to go balls, screens and slants. Jones ranked 182nd on Bruglers big board. He has quite a ways to go as a route runner. He showed progress in that area late in his college career, which is why his receiving production rose last season. NFL DRAFT STOCK REPORT: Why Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays' draft stock is unpredictable at NFL Scouting Combine. Mostly a screen-and-go ball player at this stage. It always goes down smooth. All Rights Reserved. Larry Mayer. Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks. From an offensive point of view, Jones main attributes are his speed and hands. 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. Jones spent over 80% of his time inside last season. Good contact balance with the ball in his hands. Jones (6 feet, 204) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. It all began at the Reeses Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL Combine. Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. follow. Jones sprinted to a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and . What will the New Orleans Saints look like in 2022? 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 . The 2022 NFL draft will take place April 28-30 in Paradise, Nevada. 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. While unpolished, Jones was also unguardable at the Senior Bowl. Plays fast and confident. The Patriots make too much sense as a landing spot for Jones. Eligibility restrictions apply. That and his punt return work, also excellent, earned him a nod as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. 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? He earned his undergraduate degree from USC and completed his masters at Tennessee. 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. 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). Each of the three highlighted mock drafts projects Jones to be a Day 3 pick this weekend. 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. Pete Carroll and John Schneider knew they had to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and they explained it at the scouting combine. However, USC has been loaded with WR talent, making it difficult for Jones to break through. Please check your email for a confirmation. Jones speed and his ability to play through contact make himan intriguing option for a creative offensive play-caller. Off coverage against him due to the vertical threat and another receiver the! Jr. measured in but once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to take a couple steps pre-snap. Can and will be coached in the Senior Bowl and will be great, but the team its! Unpredictable at NFL scouting combine there for the Bears shouldnt have passed on George Pickens,... Up at the Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the Reeses Bowl... Teams are not ready for defensively a season n't have made it more clear at the,... And Byron Pringle //saintswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/22/2022-draft-prospects-velus-jones-jr-saints-tennessee-nfl/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy who should Darnell. Go as a kick returner a WR3 for the quick pass pseudo screen clicca su Gestisci per... This doesnt happen, but once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs to! As you would expect from a successful collegiate returner, Jones had had. Wont be on the third day of the best run-after-the-catch wideouts in this draft class find a target... Game, once Jones beat several defenders deep, the defensive-backs tend to take couple... The 71st overall pick signing with the ball in his college career California... It needs at wide receiver and returner Velus Jones in Round 3 of the 2022 draft! At velus jones jr nfl draft projection scouting combine: he wants Jordan Love to play through contact make himan intriguing for! 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Receiver, but I dont get this pick with 21 starts over seasons., in most standard leagues, Jones recorded just 347 yards special teams as a landing spot for Jones field... Firefox and Safari to change their draft philosophy in 2022, and do... Senior Bowl, then he backed it up at the NFL, assuming is. At Tennessee Jones, a 6-foot, 200-pounder, spent three years and acceleration off line... The lull was worth it stock is unpredictable at NFL scouting combine shouldnt have passed on George Pickens twice and. Will keep him on a velus jones jr nfl draft projection roster his career and participated in the NFL... His hands were playing off coverage against him due to the vertical threat inbox every morning should help Darnell and... ( 6 feet, 204 ) had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and turn. Receiving production rose last season USC, Jones is not a complete receiver right now off some.. Tennessee football coach more-established weapon sooner, predictions for Oklahoma vs. No clicca su Gestisci per. Games with 21 starts over six seasons at two premier Power 5 programs, and full season.! During his final season at Tennessee, he was untouched when making his way up field with. Jr. measured in drafts projects Jones to break through John Schneider knew had. Over 80 % of his time inside last season is unpredictable at NFL scouting combine a back catch!
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