The Chicago Bears don't have many superstars on offense. There's potential for quarterback Justin Fields and running back David Montgomery to reach elite status in 2022, and, sure, wide receiver Darnell Mooney is a legitimate breakout candidate. But that doesn't mean the Bears are void of intriguing weapons who can flip the field this year.
Rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is one of those guys. In fact, Pro Football Focus recently named him the Bears' intriguing player to watch this season.
"Outside of Darnell Mooney, the Bears' wide receiver room is very much a toss-up," PFF's Ari Meirov wrote. "The third-round rookie out of Tennessee has been playing all over the field during camp and has been building a good rapport with Justin Fields.
"Jones possesses elite speed and showed real playmaking ability in his final year at Tennessee. He’s also electric in the return game, and he could ultimately win that job."
Jones' speed has been on display throughout the first seven practices of Bears training camp. He beat rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon on this impressive rep last week:
Velus Jones Jr. is in a training camp competition with players like Equanimeous St. Brown (who's been impressive so far) and recently acquired N'Keal Harry for first-team reps. Jones is more of a slot receiver, though, and should have an 'offensive weapon' package of plays that take advantage of his 4.31 speed.
There's no doubt Jones will make an impact in 2022. And when he does, there will be a lot of old takes exposed on social media. NFL Draft analysts and fans across the league made fun of the Chicago Bears for picking Jones, 25, in the third round. Now, it looks like general manager Ryan Poles was on to something.