It’s always fun to get a first look at incoming rookies in their Chicago Bears gear. For rookie third-round pick Velus Jones Jr., the good folks at the Tennessee Volunteers football program shared this image of Jones in his home uniform on Twitter:
Looks good, doesn’t it?
The last wide receiver to don No. 12 was Allen Robinson, who despite ending his tenure in Chicago labeled as a guy who didn’t give 100% effort, will be remembered as one of the better pass-catchers the Bears have fielded in the last couple of decades. It’s a high standard for Jones to meet, and his exciting skill set as a receiver and return man makes him a good bet to get it done.
Jones enjoyed a career year in 2021 — his sixth season of college football — when he finished with 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. His late breakout has some analysts concerned about his upside. At 25 years old, he’ll be one of the oldest rookies in the NFL.
He’ll also be one of the fastest after running a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. And it’s that speed and after-the-catch ability that should make him a critical piece of the Bears’ offense in 2022.
