Velus Jones - Fantasy Points Outlook

What You Need to Know:

• Jones spent 6 years in college (4 at USC, 2 at Tennessee). His only season with more than 300 yards came in 2021 at Tennessee (62-807-7).
• Jones, well built at 6’0, 200 pounds, is already 25 years old.
• He ran a 4.31 forty-time, and speed is certainly his best trait.
• Chicago made him a surprise selection in Round 3 of the ’22 draft.
• Bears beat writer Adam Jahns wrote post-draft that Jones “should have an immediate role on offense.” Given a lack of pass-catching depth, that seems like a lock.
• Chicago lost Allen Robinson, Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd over the offseason.
• Jones’ top competition for targets includes Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown. Not exactly threatening.
• New OC Luke Getsy arrives after serving as Green Bay’s QB coach over the past few seasons. It’ll be hard for this new staff — also led by HC Matt Eberflus — to be a downgrade on Matt Nagy.
• Still, there’s a long way to go for this unit from a macro lens. The ’21 Bears ranked 24th in total yards; 27th in scoring.
• Jones’ deep speed does look like a good fit with QB Justin Fields, whose deep ball was featured often last year. Eberflus talked this offseason about how Fields’ downfield throws will remain a factor in the ’22 offense.
• Insider Peter King came away from Bears camp believing the team has "big intentions" for WR Velus Jones this year.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

An overaged rookie, Jones’ college production left a lot to be desired. He landed in a fine spot for immediate playing time, but it’s unlikely he climbs higher than 3rd in line for targets, barring injuries.

Consider him a more desirable pick in best ball formats than in lineup setting leagues.