Probably the most unpopular pick of the Chicago Bears’ 2022 draft is ironically the one fans had been clamoring for. Going into the weekend, people were saying the same thing. They had to get a wide receiver. Justin Fields desperately needs weapons. After going defensive back with their first two selections, GM Ryan Poles finally pounced in the 3rd round. Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr. was the choice.
One would think people would be happy about this. That was not the case. People couldn’t get over one fact about Jones despite a productive college career as both a receiver and kick returner. He’s 24-years old and about to turn 25. That is old for an NFL rookie. People couldn’t get past that reality, including several draft experts. There were other, younger options available. One person wasn’t perturbed though. ESPN’s Todd McShay. Not only did he not seem to mind the age issue, he even called the Jones pick his favorite of Chicago’s entire draft.
“I love Jones’ upside. He’s a tad under 6-foot and is still refining his route running, but look at his speed and contact balance. He is a threat any time the ball is in his hands, with instincts and elusiveness in the open field and the breakaway speed to take the top off the defense. Jones’ 4.31 in the 40 ranked fourth among all participants at the combine and second among receivers, and he’s built like a running back.
Chicago can get the ball in his hands on quick slants and let him pick up extra yards. They can target him on deep shots. They can get him involved on sweeps. And they can use him in the return game, where he averaged 24.4 yards per kickoff return and 15.1 per punt return during his college career.”
McShay never mentioned the age.
He said that without a 1st rounder available, the Bears had to get creative with who they picked. To him, Jones has “immense” upside. That is hard to argue. He’s 6’0 tall with great speed and underrated strength in his upper and lower body. His most dangerous asset is his ability to run after the catch. Once the ball is in his hands, big things tend to happen. That is why several experts compared him to San Francisco 49ers superstar Deebo Samuel.
Others have said he’s similar to fellow Tennessee legend Cordarrelle Patterson. Either way, both men are among the best offensive playmakers in the NFL. If Velus Jones is indeed like either of them, then the decision by the Bears to draft him becomes instantly justified. As for the age, think of it like this. He can play a decade in the league and would be 35-years old in 2032. In the entirety of NFL history, only 57 receivers started ten or more years. So the odds would be against any of the other receivers available lasting that long, even if they were 21-years old. Poles opted to grab a player he felt could help the team right away.
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One thing about Jones? Maturity won’t be an issue. He’s a grown man right now.
