National media outlet makes NFL roster projection for former Tennessee Vols standout that's on the roster bubble
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Velus Jones Jr was a third round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft after a terrific 2021 season at UT. Jones, who started his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2020 season, caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns at […]
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Velus Jones Jr was a third round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft after a terrific 2021 season at UT.
Jones, who started his career at USC before transferring to Tennessee ahead of the 2020 season, caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns at UT in 2021.
The Alabama native's breakout season led to his draft stock increasingly significantly in early 2022.
Jones' first two seasons in Chicago, however, haven't gone smoothly. The former Vol caught just seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown as a rookie in 2022. Last season, Jones caught only four passes for 20 yards.
During his first two years in the NFL, Jones has struggled with ball security. He's a dynamic kick returner (27.4 yards per return as a pro), but his contributions in the passing game have been limited due to the ball security issues.
Fortunately for Jones, the new NFL kickoff rule should allow him to stick on the Bears' roster.
In fact, that's exactly why The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain thinks Jones will make the Bears' 53-man roster this fall.
"Here’s my preseason prediction: Jones will drop a pass in a preseason game and Bears fans will be apoplectic. But guess what? He should make the team, not because of receiving but because of the new kickoff rule," wrote Fishbain this week. "He’s been one of the best returners in football the past two seasons and will now get more opportunities."
Jones is still a dynamic player, he's just had some hiccups while adjusting to the NFL. If he can cut down on the fumbles and become a more reliable receiver, Jones could still carve out a key role for the Bears.
Tennessee Vols 5-star QB commit George MacIntyre could be a victim of a big college football recruiting quirk
It’s unfortunate for George MacIntyre
