The Chicago Bears don’t have the most impressive wide receivers room, but quarterback Justin Fields believes this group is “good enough” to get the job done. One of those guys is rookie Velus Jones Jr., who’s already made a strong impression on his quarterback.
Jones, a third-round pick out of Tennessee, has been praised for his 4.31 speed and run-after-the-catch ability. And it’s something that Fields has already noticed as early as rookie minicamp.
“At rookie minicamp there was one play that stood out to me, he had a 10-yard dig route in and caught it and hit that second gear kick for a touchdown,” Fields said in an interview with Bleacher Report. “I think he caught it at 10 yards and took it 60, so he’s a great run-after-the-catch guy. He’s going to pick up a lot of yards and is physical. He’s almost like a running back at receiver. Having him on the outside and putting the ball in his hands and letting him work will be great.”
Bears wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert explained that they’re not wasting any time integrating him into this offense, including utilizing him both inside and outside during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
“We’ve thrown him into the fire pretty quick, put him at two positions immediately,” Tolbert said last week. “Get him to learn it now. Because we want him to learn the whole concept but, specifically, a couple of positions to get him going. The more he can do, the more, obviously, he’ll have a chance to play.”
When looking at Chicago’s current receiving corps, the expectation is Jones will be a starter come Week 1 alongside the likes of Darnell Mooney and newcomer Byron Pringle. Jones should have plenty of opportunities to turn into a playmaker that Fields could certainly use.
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