Velus Jones Jr. shows off deep speed on Day 4 of Bears Training Camp

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. has endured an unfortunate start to his NFL career. After being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones’ age — he’s 25 years old — has been the butt of jokes around the league. General manager Ryan Poles was criticized by draft analysts for reaching on the former Tennesee standout, most “experts” had Jones rated as a Day-3 prospect.

But if there’s one thing that’s proven true throughout NFL history, it’s speed kills. And Velus Jones Jr. was one of the fastest and most explosive receiver prospects in this year’s draft class. He put that speed on display during the fourth practice of Chicago Bears training camp when he beat fellow rookie Kyler Gordon down the sideline for a big gain.

Perfect deep ball and over the shoulder catch from Justin Fields to Velus Jones. Kyler Gordon in coverage pic.twitter.com/ikdKQyUqHN

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 30, 2022

Gordon deserves credit for maintaining good coverage throughout the route, too. This is an encouraging rep for the Chicago Bears’ 2022 draft class. If Gordon can stay step-for-step with Jones, then there won’t be many wide receivers who can outrun him this year.

Here’s another rep of Velus Jones Jr. flashing his elite speed:

Fields to Velus Jones. Just out of his reach. Jones is fast, man pic.twitter.com/7mLCx0CiKz

— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 30, 2022

The Chicago Bears wide receivers have been the target of easy criticism throughout the offseason. The early returns in training camp have painted a different picture, however. Darnell Mooney is making the kind of plays expected from the team’s WR1. Free-agent signing Equanimeous St. Brown enjoyed a multi-touchdown day on Friday. Velus Jones Jr. made his mark Saturday in what’s been an encouraging week from some of Chicago’s important skill players in 2022.

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