The best highlights from Velus Jones Jr.'s college career at Tennessee can be found here. 1:04 Velus Jones Jr. walked into Halas Hall for his first day of work and left a strong impression on his new coaches. The wide receiver, who the Bears drafted 71st overall, wore a suit and brought his own whiteboard to meetings. He came across prepared to prove his age and approach as an asset for a thin position group. Jones said that he was all about his business. They're getting a mature guy. I don't care about partying. My mind is messed on right, and so they are getting a mature guy that is going to help this team in any way possible. Bears have a big plan for Velus Jones Jr.
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It was somewhat of a surprise that Jones was the only receiver Chicago drafted with its 11 picks last month, considering the emphasis on surrounding second-year quarterback Justin Fields with as many weapons as possible. Jones was taken ahead of several other wideouts with more offensive production.
The NCAA gave Jones an extra year to finish his college career after he transferred from USC to Tennessee, where he became a bigger part of the offense. Jones had more than 800 receiving yards, 600 kick return yards, and 200 punt return yards in 2021. He returned a kick for a touchdown. It was his best year in terms of production on the offensive side, after he had
Bears general manager Ryan Poles doesn't want to compare the rookies to San Francisco's Deebo Samuel, but he does want Jones to pay dividends. During the minicamp, Jones was moved from the backfield to the slot.
I talked to the offensive coach about the special attributes that Jones has, and he has a big plan for him.
When the full squad begins workouts next week, Chicago will continue to sort out its wide receiver depth chart. While trying to figure out where to align the likes of Darnell Mooney and recent free-agent signings, Jones could be a factor in determining whether his best fit is as an X-receiver. He ran the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash at the combine.
Getsy said that he could see that he could handle the league. He looks like 4.3 on the field when he gets the ball. I think that is what stood out about this guy. Every time he touches the ball, he has a chance to score.
The special teams impact feels imminent as a plan for Jones begins to take shape. The SEC co-special teams player of the year was Jones, who averaged 132.5 all-purpose yards per game in 2021, which included 27.3 yards per kick return and 15.1 yards per punt return. Jones is expected to compete for both jobs this summer, according to Richard Hightower. Jones believes honing his craft as a return specialist will help him in his development as a receiver.
Finding dynamic return specialists became a priority for Chicago after they parted ways with Jakeem Grant and Tarik Cohen. The Bears prioritized players who aren't limited to the positions they play. Jones believes honing his craft as a returner will help him in his development as a receiver.
Jones said it was a blessing and he wanted to help the coaching staff win games. I am blessed that I can impact the game in different ways. I am really excited about that.
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