3 numbers prove why the Chicago Bears stole Velus Jones Jr. in the draft
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears rookie Velus Jones Jr. averaged more yards after contact than every wide receiver taken ahead of him
One of the common factors seen in the two offensive weapons the Bears drafted is in yards after contact. Very similar to Velus Jones Jr. is former Baylor running back Trestan Ebner, whom the Bears brought in late in the draft as well. This is a key area the Bears have been focused on, and it was very noticeable.
As for Jones, he averaged more yards after contact (4.02) than every single wide receiver taken ahead of him in the draft. That is an astounding fact, because this receiving class was extremely deep.
You’re looking at someone like Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks, with a huge, strong frame and weighing 225 pounds — yep, Jones was better after contact than even Burks. Or, take Detroit Lions rookie Jameson Williams — one of the fastest men in the draft as well. Jones was better after contact than even Williams, proving he not only has speed, but the strength to shed tacklers.
The broken tackles and yards after contact were a big reason why Jones was compared to a guy like San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, along with this next area.