Why Velus Jones Jr. has everything the Titans are looking for
The wide receiver position has been a hot-button issue for the Tennessee Titans over the last decade. Last offseason, the Titans made a splash move by trading for Julio Jones – a move that has been highly scrutinized after Jones struggled to stay on the field in 2021. With April’s 2022 NFL Draft on the […]
The wide receiver position has been a hot-button issue for the Tennessee Titans over the last decade. Last offseason, the Titans made a splash move by trading for Julio Jones – a move that has been highly scrutinized after Jones struggled to stay on the field in 2021. With April’s 2022 NFL Draft on the horizon, Tennessee is once again searching for another weapon for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
General Manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel have spent this week in Indianapolis evaluating prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine. Tennessee holds the 26th overall pick and will have the opportunity to find a player capable of contributing next season.
The wide receivers shined on Thursday as eight players completed the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds. One of those players was University of Tennessee standout Velus Jones Jr. who was officially clocked at 4.31 seconds, the second fastest time among the receivers.
After spending four years at the University of Southern California, Jones transferred to Tennessee where he played out his final two collegiate seasons. At USC, Jones was primarily used as a return man, but when he made it to Knoxville, Jones was used as the team’s slot receiver while still juggling the return duties.
In 2021, Jones caught 62 passes for 807 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. On top of his production on offense, Jones was special teams superstar. He averaged 15.1 yards per punt return and 27.3 yards per kick return including one 96-yard touchdown last season. Jones’ ability in the return game did not go unrecognized as he was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.
It’s no secret that the Titans’ offense has been missing a slot receiver capable of stretching defenses vertically. Whether it was Taywan Taylor, Kalif Raymond, or Chester Rogers, Tennessee has struggled to find consistent production from the slot position in recent years.
While Tannehill prefers pass catchers with size and large catch radiuses, Jones would be able to add an element of speed in the Titans offense without compromising in size. At 6’0” and 204 pounds, Jones possesses all of the physical traits NFL teams are looking for.
Despite being projected as a Day Three pick in the draft, Jones has the talent to shake things up in the Titans’ receiver room. Starting him out in the return game while simultaneously bringing him along offensively would fill the absent attribute of speed on the roster, especially if the Titans part ways with Rogers this offseason
Robinson and Vrabel have already shown interest in the speedster who turns 25-years-old in May having already formally met with him in Indy. Every year there is a team or two who uncovers a diamond in the rough late in the draft. Who is to say Jones can’t be just that for the Titans?
Featured image via Randy Sartin – USA TODAY Sports
