(670 The Score) Days before the NFL Draft began in late April, new Bears general manager Ryan Poles brought second-year quarterback Justin Fields into the film room to study tape of wide receiver prospects.
Fields was drawn to the ability of Tennessee receiver Velus Jones Jr., whom the Bears would later select in the third round. Jones' combination of raw talent and potential struck Fields, Poles and those in Halas Hall. Then Jones joined the Bears and made an immediate impression with his personality.
Jones and Fields have since connected, and their lockers in Halas Hall are side by side.
"Picking each other brains and stuff like that," Jones said. "Makes it a whole lot easier. I feel like that's part of the connection as well, knowing who your quarterback is outside of football.
"He's depending on me. A lot of guys are depending on me. I'm going to have their backs and do what I can to keep stride in this offense."
During this six-week off period between the conclusion of the offseason program in June and the start of training camp in late July, Jones planned to travel south to Atlanta and work with Fields and fellow Bears receiver Darnell Mooney. It's part of Jones' effort to help build better chemistry in the Bears' offense.
Jones, who turned 25 in May, spent six years in college as he transferred from USC to Tennessee in early 2020. Despite his age, Jones is still considered a developmental prospect with plenty to prove. That upside has the Bears intrigued.
What's certain with Jones is the 4.31 speed he showcased in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in February.
"When he gets the ball, y'all are going to see," Mooney said. "He can fly. He can be a playmaker for sure for us."
Added Fields: "I mean, yeah, he's fast. He can make plays. Yards after the catch for sure. He's a good player."
How Jones will fit into the Bears' offense remains unclear at this point, though he can certainly influence what role he'll have with his performance in training camp and the preseason. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy can utilize Jones and his speed as a dynamic weapon, but the Bears also hope he can be a consistent piece in their plans.
When the Bears selected Jones in the third round, they added a player who boasts fascinating potential. Jones feels that belief from the team.
"Just makes you want to keep striving for greatness," he said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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