Bears: 5 players other than Justin Fields facing a make-or-break year

Velus Jones Jr. must be more impactful in 2023 for the Chicago Bears offense.

Velus Jones Jr. has to prove he is worthy.

Velus Jones Jr. had a rough rookie season. He was 25 years old when he started his first season in the NFL. Injuries pretty much wiped out most of his training camp and he missed the first three games of 2022.

His blazing speed made him a perfect fit as a returner. When he finally got on the field to do that, he failed to do the most basic part of the job which is catching the kick. He muffed a punt against the Washington Commanders that cost his team the game.

Jones Jr. was also inactive for two games because of poor play. He did bounce back once he got back on the field. Velus had his best game against the Buffalo Bills when he had 165 all-purpose yards that included a nice 52-yard catch from Justin Fields.

Last year’s third-round pick was not the explosive playmaker Ryan Poles envisioned. Poles went out and drafted speedster Tyler Scott in the fourth round. It also means Jones Jr. faces a tough battle to make the roster.

Moore, Claypool, Darnell Mooney, and Scott have roster spots pretty much locked up. That means Jones Jr. has to compete with veterans Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown.

Pettis already took Velus’ punt returner job last season. With the new fair catch kickoff rule, the value of a pure kick returner is diminished.

St. Brown has value as a blocking wide receiver so Jones Jr. is going to have to prove he can field punts and make plays during training camp and in preseason games. Otherwise, he could officially become Ryan Poles’ first draft bust.