Tennessee football: Bears drafting Velus Jones Jr. keeps up one Vols tradition

Shockingly, Tennessee football had two players taken in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, the first time they’ve had multiple selections in the first three rounds since 2017. After the New Orleans Saints took Alontae Taylor in the second round, the Chicago Bears took Velus Jones Jr. in the third round.

Jones was taken with the 71st overall pick by Chicago. In the process, he actually brings a similar profile to the table that notable UT receivers on the Bears generally bring: an elite speedster who can make magic happen with the ball in his hands while doubling as a return specialist.

In 2019 and 2020, Chicago had another such receiver from Tennessee football, Cordarrelle Patterson. However, most notably, they had Willie Gault during their run in the 1980s. Gault was a track star playing receiver and spending time as a return specialist for the Bears.

An All-American for UT in 1982, Gault played for Chicago from 1983 to 1987. He was the leading receiver for the 1985 Bears, largely considered the greatest team in NFL history, catching 33 passes for 704 yards. He also averaged over 26 yards a kickoff return on 22 returns that year, running one back for a touchdown.

Patterson, meanwhile, earned All-Pro both years he played for the Bears, specifically due to his ability as a return specialist. Both years, he ran a kickoff back for a touchdown and averaged over 29 yards a kickoff return on at least 28 returns each year.

Standing at 6’0″ 204 pounds, Jones, who ran a 4.31 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, appears to be expected to play that same role. Chicago’s star returner from last year, Jakeem Grant, is now with the Cleveland Browns, leaving just Khalil Herbert on their team.

As a result, Jones should be able to help fill that void immediately. Meanwhile, the Bears clearly need help among their receivers, so there are multiple ways Jones could step up and become a major contributor. This makes him a valuable pick.

Last year in Josh Heupel’s system, Jones had 62 catches for 807 yards and seven touchdowns as Tennessee football’s slot guy. He averaged over 27yards a kickoff return on 23 returns, running one back for a touchdown, and he averaged over 15 yards a punt return on 18 returns.

Simply put, Jones is another Tennessee football receiver with semi-track star skills expected to shine with the Bears. It’s not only the Vols who gave Chicago that reputation either. Devin Hester obviously became a superstar specifically as a kickoff returner for them. Jones likely won’t reach his level, but he could become a baller.