Bears Coach Hints Velus Jones Has Completely Upgraded His Game

Most of the conversations around the Chicago Bears wide receiving corps center around three names. D.J. Moore is obvious after the blockbuster trade to get him. Then there are Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, both expected to be primary fixtures in the passing game despite missing most of OTAs and minicamps. However, last year proved the Bears could give other young players opportunities. Injuries happen. Guys get into slumps. It is why GM Ryan Poles has invested continuously in the position with draft picks. Perhaps the one most forgotten is Velus Jones.

That is understandable. The 3rd round pick from Tennessee didn't make many waves last season, at least as a receiver. He emerged as a solid kick returner but minimized his impact with some ugly blunders on punt returns. As for receiving duties, he managed only seven catches on 14 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown. That isn't much to get excited about. Even so, word out of Bears minicamps suggests things have changed. Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago spoke to wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert. Apparently, Jones has stepped up his game.

"He’s got a lot more, I guess, juice," Tolbert said. "A little more pep in his step. I say that, and everybody knows he’s the fastest guy in the room. But when he gets out there, he hears the play now, he lines up really fast and knows what he’s doing. I think it’s the confidence in knowing what to do, because he would tell you himself, last year he was like a deer in the headlights a lot of the times.

"Now he knows what to do, he answers all the questions in the meetings, then he gets onto the field and knows how to go out there and execute it. I think, again, being a year in the system has helped him tremendously. Probably helped him more than anybody in the room."

Velus Jones has the most potential to unlock.

People make fun of his age constantly. They don't mention enough how talented he is. The guy has size and speed. He's strong after the catch. The biggest thing holding him back was a better understanding of how to run routes and create separation. People with knowledge of the Bears' offensive scheme have stated it is difficult for wide receivers to learn. Former Bears Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall began his career in it with Denver in 2006. He didn't look like anything special. The same goes for another Broncos legend, Rod Smith. It took him three years to master it.

Maybe people should cut Velus Jones some slack. Tolbert insists the second-year receiver has made massive progress since the end of last season. It's showing in early practices. Don't forget Claypool and Mooney are both pending free agents. It wouldn't be a shock if the Bears chose to get Jones more involved offensively with the idea he becomes a replacement for one of them. That would be an ideal scenario.