After opting to go defense with the first two picks, Bears general manager Ryan Poles went out an added a speedy receiver in Tennessee’s Velus Jones Jr. with the 71st overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Wide receiver was arguably the team’s biggest need heading into the draft, which wasn’t surprising considering Chicago’s receiving corp was led by Darnell Mooney and Byron Pringle. While the top wideout prospects were off the board in the second round — when the Bears went with safety Jaquan Brisker — they took a chance on Jones early in the third round.
Last season with Tennessee, Jones had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. Jones had 286 yards after contact, which ranked third among SEC wide receivers, according to Pro Football Focus.
