A Forgotten Face Is Reportedly Crashing Early Chicago Bears Camp

If the Chicago Bears were going to make any noise this season, they would need the young guys to step up. It starts with the 2022 draft class. Everybody knows the second year is when players usually make their biggest jump in productivity. Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Braxton Jones all showed promise as rookies. Each is expected to show improvement. However, it can't stop with them. Other picks must produce. At least one name everybody pushed to the background seems to have resurfaced.

Velus Jones was a lost cause in the minds of most Bears fans. The 3rd round pick failed to establish himself as a credible receiving threat as a rookie. Even his emergence as a great kick returner didn't do much to help his cause. When the team traded for D.J. Moore and drafted Tyler Scott in the spring, that was pretty much the death blow. Well, nobody told him that. Head coach Matt Eberflus has already seen massive progress from Jones in every facet.

"First thing that stands out to me is returns. The punt returns, the kick returns, he's really been consistent with that. He's really worked his tail off with that. Then, the ability to utilize him as a guy back there with jet sweeps, the gadget plays, and also just being a receiver.

"I think he's got the comfort level now, second-year through."

A day later, the offensive signs emerged. Jones made multiple tough catches in drills, showing off a strong pair of hands that seemed to betray him too often last year.

The Chicago Bears still have high hopes for Velus Jones.

People kept making fun of his older age last year. GM Ryan Poles didn't care. He saw a big, strong, and fast player with tons of versatility. Not only could he be a legitimate receiving threat, but he also brings value as a gadget player and kick returner. His struggling as a rookie shouldn't have been a surprise. Most do. Yet people got it in their heads that because of his age, there was no reason he should've had such issues. That isn't how it works. College to the NFL is a tough transition, regardless of age.

Jones appears to have hit the off-season with the right mentality. He ignored the noise, put his head down, and worked hard on every weakness in his game. It's too early to tell how much progress he has made, but it is evident he is operating with more confidence and precision. When that happens, it usually translates to the field. The Chicago Bears won't hand him anything yet. Looking good in shorts is not the same as pads. He must sustain this early momentum through August and the preseason.

If he does, Justin Fields may have another weapon ready for use.