Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. was drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the hope he’ll provide quarterback Justin Fields with a game-breaking target. He’s viewed as a do-it-all offensive weapon that will be used in a variety of ways, which he said Monday he’s more than capable of handling.
“There’s just so many things I can do,” Jones said on the Parkins and Spiegel Show. “With the deep ball taking the top off the defense, with a screen, an out route, a slant. And also, I can run routes as well.”
Jones’ path to the NFL was non-traditional. He didn’t explode onto the college football scene or dominate early in his career. He didn’t turn pro after two or three productive seasons. Instead, it wasn’t until his sixth year, his second with Tennessee after playing his first four seasons at USC, that he emerged as a top-100 prospect.
Velus Jones ended the 2021 season with career highs in receiving across the board: 62 catches, 807 yards, and seven touchdowns. He’s as dynamic of a kick returner as he is a receiver, and he’ll give the Bears an element of explosiveness they’ve been lacking for quite some time.
