LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- As the Bears formed their plans ahead of the NFL Draft last April and considered their wide receiver options, one player in particular kept making an impression: Velus Jones Jr., whom they would select with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields was struck by Jones’ raw talent while scouting receivers in the film room with general manager Ryan Poles, and coach Matt Eberflus marveled about Jones after a 15-minute meeting in his office in the pre-draft process.
The Bears believed in the player and person that Jones could become for them. As he has struggled early in his rookie season, Jones has been forced to rely on that foundation. Eberflus is confident that the 25-year-old Jones can respond to his poor performance thus far.
“Always look forward and keep moving,” Eberflus said of Jones. “I know he’s disappointed in what’s happened, transpired over the last few weeks. There's nothing we can do about that now. He has to keep his eyes forward, stay positive and we’re going to start getting him more involved as we get going here.”
Jones has muffed a punt late in the fourth quarter during two of the Bears’ three losses in their current three-game slide, including a costly fumble last Thursday that allowed the Commanders to score the go-ahead touchdown. Chicago lost that game 12-7, with Jones taking the blame afterward for his untimely miscue.
After that loss, Eberflus pointed to how he and the Bears would re-evaluate their depth chart at all places. That could include removing Jones as their punt returner, though Eberflus declined to say whether that has already happened or will happen. Fellow rookie Trestan Ebner has returned nine punts this season when Jones wasn't in that role.
Jones has played in just three games this season, missing the first three contests while recovering from a hamstring injury. He has two receptions for 19 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown against the Vikings on Oct. 9.
Despite Jones' struggles, Eberflus and the Bears continue to make plans to get him playmaking opportunities.
“Velus has got a lot of talent, a lot of things he can bring to the football team, certainly with his speed and athletic ability in space,” Eberflus said. “We're going to try to utilize that, and we’re going to keep doing that.”
On Tuesday, Eberflus also declined comment on whether the Bears would rearrange their starting offensive line. The team will issue its first injury report Thursday afternoon.
The Bears (2-4) visit the Patriots (3-3) on Monday night at Gillette Stadium.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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