LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- The Bears have added a target for young quarterback Justin Fields, selecting Tennessee receiver Velus Jones with the No. 71 overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft on Friday evening.
Jones had 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns at Tennessee in 2021. He clocked a 4.31 time on the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in early March. He also has significant experience as a punt returner and kick returner.
Jones is excited to prove his place with the Bears' offense.
"Man, that’s taking advantage of your opportunities," Jones said. "Make the most of them. That comes play by play. Living in the moment. Getting ahead of the game, staying in the film room. Don’t take anything for granted. I’ve faced a lot of adversity to get here, and I’m definitely not going to take it for granted. I’m ready to get to work. If I could come in tomorrow, I would. I know who I am, and I know what I’m going to do. I’m definitely ready to put on a show for this upcoming season."
The Bears' selection of Jones comes after the team picked Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon with the No. 39 overall pick and Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker with the No. 48 pick earlier in the evening.
Jones is one of the oldest prospects in this NFL Draft class, as he's set to turn 25 on May 11. He spent his first four college years at USC, then was a graduate transfer to Tennessee ahead of the 2020 season. He returned to Tennessee for the 2021 season after players were granted an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is one of those guys that has continued to improve," said Bears national scout Sam Summerville, who scouted Jones.
"In particular, I would say he got better with route running and things down the field."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.