Velus Jones Jr. | Tennessee 6’0” 204 lbs. | 05/11/1997 (Age 24)
Velus Jones Jr. was drafted 71st overall by the Chicago Bears, becoming the 14th wide receiver and 71st overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2016 (FR) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2017 (SO) | 13 | 6 | 46 | 7.7 | 0 |
| 2018 (SO) | 11 | 24 | 266 | 11.1 | 1 |
| 2019 (JR) | 11 | 6 | 35 | 5.8 | 0 |
| 2020 (SR) | 10 | 22 | 280 | 12.7 | 3 |
| 2021 (SR) | 13 | 62 | 807 | 13.0 | 7 |
During his four years at USC, Jones Jr. showed flashes as a return specialist and saw limited time as a receiver on offense. He found a larger offensive role after transferring to Tennessee University. In his final season this past year, Jones Jr. hauled in 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Although he produced as a receiver, he was noticed by earning second-team all-conference notice as a kick returner. He finished his collegiate career with 2,973 kick return yards and two kick return touchdowns while averaging 24.4 yards per kick return.
STRENGTHS
Has the capability of lining up inside and outside. Improved route-runner throughout his career. Strong hands and often hauls in contested catches. Outstanding special teams player. Can play gunner, but specializes as a return specialist.
WEAKNESSES
Old for a rookie, as he turns 25 this month. Measurables are not ideal for a pro receiver. Lacks the drive that needs to be put into route-running. Needs to work on his footwork off the line of scrimmage and when making breaks into his routes. Was only asked to run basic routes on offense.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Jones Jr. measured in at 6’0” and 204 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 27.7. At the combine, he ran a blazing 4.31 40-yard dash (99th percentile), which at his height and weight equates to a 116.6-speed score (97th percentile). Jones Jr. also recorded a 116.6 burst score (26th percentile), an 11.83 agility score (5th percentile), a 9.77 catch radius (13th percentile), and a college dominator of 22.7 percent (29th percentile).
Jones Jr. possesses elite speed, as his 4.31 40-yard dash was the second-fastest among receivers and fourth amongst every player who participated at the combine. On the other hand, his wingspan (73 ½”) and catch radius are below-average for his position.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Jones Jr. was selected with the 71st-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
Justin Fields gets the second-fastest receiver out of this draft to pair next to Darnell Mooney. Jones Jr. joins a thin wide receiver room that desperately needed speed and big playmaking abilities.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Jones Jr. should serve as his team’s WR2/3 right away. He’ll likely battle Byron Pringle for that second spot, but with his blazing speed and open field dynamic abilities, he’ll likely see high volume opportunities early on in his career. Don’t over-target him, as he’s likely a late-round talent in both rookie and dynasty start-up leagues.
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