Tennessee football: Ranking all four Vols by NFL Combine performance in 2022
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Saraland, Ala.. Velus Jones Jr.. 2. Wide receiver. player. 839
6’0″ 204 pounds; 30.875″ arms; 9.75″ hands
Combine results according to NFL.com:
- 40-time: 4.31 seconds
- Vertical jump: 33 inches
- Broad jump: 121 inches
We all saw what Velus Jones Jr. could do as Tennessee football’s slot receiver and primary return specialist the past couple years. However, Jones’ 40-time at the NFL Combine alone may have shot up his draft stock beyond that production, and that’s a huge deal for what he’s trying to be as a player in the pros.
Clocking in a 4.31 40-yard dash, Jones was the second fastest receiver at the event behind Tyquan Thornton of the Baylor Bears. He hit his expected height and is actually four pounds heavier than he was listed on Rocky Top, so that 40-time is even more legit, and it’ll definitely make him an intriguing prospect to many NFL scouts.
In 2021, Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and eight touchdowns, averaged 27.3 yards a kickoff return on 23 returns and ran one back for a touchdown and averaged 15.1 yards a punt return on 18 returns. Simply put, production is his selling point.
However, the 2020 transfer from the USC Trojans who hails from Alabama stands added to that production with just that speed performance. His primary recruiter in high school and as he transferred, Tee Martin, is now in the NFL too, so he’s got advocates. That all works in his favor.