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Tennessee football: Top 10 Vols with 2022 NFL Draft potential

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Tennessee offensive lineman Cade Mays (68) runs on the field during the first quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg /
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Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) waits for a kickoff during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2020; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) waits for a kickoff during the first half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Senior. Velus Jones Jr.. 3. 839. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Wide receiver. player

6’0″ 200 pounds; Hometown: Saraland, Ala.

Last year, Velus Jones Jr. didn’t see a lot of action for a long time after transferring from the USC Trojans. Honestly, given his frame, it didn’t make sense, as he is clearly destined to be an elite slot guy and would have been the perfect fit for that in Jim Chaney’s system with Brandon Johnson and Josh Palmer on the outside.

However, as Tennessee football’s season was lost and quarterbacks changed, Jones began to emerge. He ended up finishing second on the team with 22 catches for 280 yards and three touchdowns, and he also had three carries for 16 yards while returning 18 kickoffs for 398 yards.

As a speedy receiver who can line up at wideout or in the slot while also returning kickoffs and taking handoffs on reverse plays, Jones is the perfect fit for Josh Heupel’s offense. Add in the fact that he’s the go-to receiver, and he’s likely to see tons of touches this year.

Because of that, it’s almost certain that Jones’ NFL Draft stock will go through the roof. Very few players on the roster can do what the graduate of Saraland High School in South Alabama’s Mobile County can do, and that works in his favor. With Palmer and Johnson gone, expect Jones to rack up tons of stats while showcasing these abilities.

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