Draft experts weren't impressed when the Chicago Bears made Velus Jones Jr. their 3rd round pick in the 2022 draft. The consensus was they'd reached on a player who, while talented, is on the older side and not what one would consider "complete." That is to say, his route running capabilities were lacking. GM Ryan Poles shrugged off such concerns, stating that people were missing what makes Jones a special player.
As for the young man himself, he isn't concerned about the outside noise. He is more interested in the business of making himself better. Just because he's 25-years old doesn't mean he suddenly forgot how to play football. Nor does it mean he can't accomplish his ultimate goal. Danny Parkins of the Parkins & Spiegel show on 670 The Score asked him about what exactly that objective is. Jones didn't need many words to articulate it.
"A gold jacket."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaDO8uvxWqQ&ab_channel=KaliforniaHighlights
Nobody can ever say the young man lacks a vision.
He explained that the mentality was instilled in him by his grandmother. If he's going to do something, then do it to his best ability and reach for greatness. Jones had to overcome a lot of adversity to reach the NFL. He doesn't fear a challenge. Hard work and him are old friends. He also has great faith in his god-given talent, as he relayed during the show as well."There's not many people in this past draft that have my skill set. That can do what I do."Indeed he has a unique blend of speed and strength for somebody his size. That is why he can be a nightmare to deal with after the catch. It is hard enough to catch him, but bringing him down is another issue in itself. This is why the Bears were drawn to Velus Jones. They knew what he could offer their football team. Not only now but in the future. Poles himself said people had the same criticisms of Tyreek Hill when he first arrived in the NFL. That turned out pretty well for Kansas City. Jones would achieve a Bears first if he reaches his goal, becoming the first-ever wide receiver in franchise history to enter Canton. Doing that despite arriving in the NFL two years later than most rookies would make it all the sweeter.
