The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers need an infusion of talent at the wide receiver position and they desperately have to improve on special teams.
A player that could help Green Bay achieve both of those things is Velus Jones Jr. The Tennessee wide receiver checks in at No. 36 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Jones, a USC transfer, averaged 24.5 yards per kick return for the Trojans in 2017. The following year he got more involved on offense, scoring a receiving and rushing touchdown, while averaging 23 yards per kick return.
In 2019, Jones averaged 24.3 yards per kick return and took one back for a touchdown.
Why don't I care about the age of Velus Jones Jr?
My column:
The Tennesse WR (USC transfer) is a dynamic return man that could provide quality depth to Green Bay's WR room. Day three target. pic.twitter.com/tsRyNSm1eQ
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) March 7, 2022
During his first season at Tennessee, Jones recorded three receiving touchdowns and averaged 22.1 yards per kick return.
This past season, Jones showed that he could be more than just a return man. The Alabama native hauled in 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. He also was named the Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in the SEC after averaging 27.3 yards per kick return and one return touchdown. He also returned 18 punts and averaged 15.1 yards per return.
Get this man (Velus Jones Jr) to Green Bay. 2021 SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year. pic.twitter.com/pIYES4rUOL
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) March 7, 2022
“Velus had a fantastic super-senior season, totaling more catches, receiving yards and touchdowns than he did in his first four years combined,” Ryan Schumpert, the Tennessee beat writer for Rocky Top Insider, said. “He got off to a slower start as he missed much of fall camp with an injury that limited him the first few weeks. Jones moved to the slot a few games into the season and that’s where he really took off. The 6-foot receiver showed the potential he flashed during his first season at Tennessee when he dealt with poor quarterback play and an abysmal offense. Jones was a strong No. 2 receiver for Tennessee behind Cedric Tillman.”
Jones may be the best return man in the 2022 NFL Draft. His speed and running-back-like vision make him a threat to take a kickoff or punt back for a touchdown. He brings tremendous special teams value as a return man and as a member of coverage units.
“Jones has really good vision and decision making,” Schumpert said. “He’s not afraid to take a touchback if the return isn’t there. That helped him avoid bad returns and kept his average super high. While he’s better and has more experience as a kick returner, Jones was solid as a punt returner in 2021.”
Jones is an explosive player. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands and shows good elusiveness in the open field. He is tough as nails and will fight for extra yards. He can be utilized on jet sweeps and screens. The name of the game is to get the ball in his hands and let him put stress on the defense.
“Jones wins after catch with elite quickness and surprising strength,” Schumpert said. “His ability to make defenders miss one-on-one in space with his cuts and jukes is his most impressive trait. He’s not Deebo Samuel by any means, but like Samuel, he’s also a surprisingly physical runner for someone his size. He’s not going to run through linebacker’s tackles like Samuel can, but he’s great at getting the yards that are there and then putting his head down and fighting for whatever else he can get. His sub-4.3 40-yard dash time also shows up with the ball in his hands.”
Jones is a smooth accelerator off the line of scrimmage. He shows great burst in and out of his cuts to create separation. The USC transfer has the quickness to threaten defensive backs vertically and has natural tracking skills downfield. That quickness was on full display at the combine when he ran a 4.31 40-yard dash.
Jones plays with a competitive edge. He brings it as a run blocker and is capable of locking up defensive backs.
“Jones isn’t an elite blocker by any means, but he’s not a slouch either, especially for his size,” Schumpert said. “It’s not a liability to where it would keep a team from drafting him, but it’s not a major strength.”
Fit with the Packers
Anything Jones would offer as a wide receiver early in his career would be gravy. Where Jones can impact the game is on special teams and as a catch and run specialist. Get him the ball on bubble screens, jet sweeps, drags and let him create with the ball in his hands.
“Jones’ greatest strength is his ability with the ball in his hands,” Schumpert said. “His elite speed and strong cutting ability is a large part of his success in space.”
As a day three prospect, Jones could carve out a role immediately for Green Bay as a return man. He’d also be able to play on coverage units. The Packers need to get better on special teams and Jones could play a vital role in helping turn that unit around.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jones could thrive as a weapon on screens and targets closer to the line of scrimmage. With his ability to create after the catch, he could add an extra dimension to Green Bay’s offense.
