Velus Jones Jr., a former Tennessee wide receiver, was taken by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft at No. 71 overall (seventh overall in the third round).
Jones Jr. is the Vols’ second draft pick. The selection makes it back-to-back years in which a Tennessee wide receiver pick in the third round, as Josh Palmer chose in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jones Jr. is the 85th Tennessee player to draft since 2000 and the 376th in program history to select in the NFL Draft.
Jones Jr. entered the NFL at the age of 24 (he turns 25 on May 11) following six years of collegiate football with USC and Tennessee.
Boosted his draft status dramatically throughout the pre-draft process, putting together a standout performance in Reese’s Senior Bowl and Senior Bowl practices. Check out OKBET for the status and standing of Jones jr in the NFL Draft.
Jones Jr. backed it up with an excellent combine performance, finishing second among receivers with a 4.31 40-yard dash.
The native of Saraland, Alabama, then continued his excellent offseason at Tennessee’s pro day. When he demonstrated good route running and top-end speed.
The 2021 SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year spent two years on Rocky Top, where he was a key component of Tennessee’s offense in his sophomore season. Catching 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns.
While Jones Jr. only spent two years at Tennessee, he swiftly developed as a player, particularly in 2021.
“It benefited me a lot,” Jones Jr. said before the draft of his two years at Tennessee, which he credits with maturing him as a player. “Coach Ekeler, permit me to be a punt returner. It boosted my worth as a team member since they all say you have to be prepared to take on the role of a grown man. And that is just what I am preparing to do at the moment.
“And the coaching staff’s positive energy and family atmosphere instilled in you the confidence to do well. Coach Heupel’s presence aided us throughout practices, although we did not wear full pads during the season. He desired to be the most rested and fastest squad on Saturdays, which aided in limiting injuries. This previous season with this coaching team undoubtedly contributed significantly to preparing for the next level.”
Jones joins a Chicago receiving corps that includes Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, and others. Also, the VFL will be responsible for catching Justin Fields’ passes. Bettors can wager on OKBET sportsbook for NFL and choose who’s player do you want to bet on.
