6 Bears Whose Stock Has Fallen Ahead of Training Camp

3. Velus Jones, Jr.

Velus Jones, Jr. is an extremely talented player who has yet to put it all together.

He spent six seasons in the NCAA (four with USC and two with Tennessee) and was primarily a returner. It wasn't until his final season that Jones put up decent numbers on offense. As a redshirt senior, he had 807 yards and seven touchdowns on 62 receptions in 2021.

He was then selected 71st overall by the Chicago Bears, who needed wide receiver help. They hoped Jones would continue to develop as a pass-catcher, but they ignored history, which tells us older receivers in the draft rarely develop further in the NFL. Jones, who was 25 as a rookie, has just 281 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in two seasons.

Entering his third year with the franchise, there's a belief he's not going to make the 53-man roster. However, Jordan Campbell of Bear Goggles On believes Jones could be saved by the new kickoff rules, but still has to convince the team he deserves a spot with a strong showing as the return man.

"While this would not resolve Jones' struggles in terms of catching the ball, the new format should place more of an emphasis on the returner's ability to find lanes and utilize their speed to get downfield. This format change for kickoffs could be what leads to Jones remaining on the Bears' roster beyond the Pre-Season."

- Jordan Campbell, Bear Goggles On

Jones could very well prove to have value as a returner but there will be competition. With his prospects as a receiver looking bleak, he has to prove he's far and away the best option in this regard.