Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about VELUS JONES JR.:
Tennessee, 5116 204 4.31. Twenty-one starts over 61 games played, Saraland, AL. Spent three seasons at USC prior to transferring to Tennessee in 2020. First-team All-SEC in 2021 and second-team All-Pac 12 in 2019 as a special teamer. Co-winner of the 2021 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Award. He will make his initial and most likely mark in the league on special teams. A natural playmaker in the return game, stemming from his field vision and contact balance. His burst to speed and easy change of direction makes him an intriguing project at wide receiver as well. The body thickness is unique and could thrive in a quick-strike offense as an underneath target. There are multiple ways he can help a team and that should give his overall grade a boost. He did not get many intermediate-to-deep looks in the passing game and there are some catch radius issues. Jones is a gamble at receiver with a high floor because of what he will offer on specials right away. Has a running back’s body and mentality. Built thick and yoked, especially around the hips and above the waist. A menace with the ball in his hands. Tough ball carrier to bring down because of his low center of gravity, elite contact balance, and never-quit mentality. Easy vision and natural reactions to the defense. Has developed his route running nicely. Sharp cuts and quick to get his head around. Shows strong hands and easy ball tracking. Will see the ball in from all angles. Adds tremendous value on special teams. Overall radius and reach potential is limited. Lacks the average size but also plays a tight game without fluidity when extending. Loses his footing too often as a route runner. Rarely caught balls on the deep third of the route tree.
2021 stats: 62-807, 13.0 ypr, 7 TD, 18-272 PR, 15.1 avg, 23-628 KOR, 27.3 avg, 1 TD. OSR:9/33. Sixth/seventh round. (A-30 7/8, H-9 3/4, VJ-33, SS-4.51).