2022 NFL Draft: 5 Senior Bowl Players the Detroit Lions Could Draft

2. Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee

This would be an interesting pairing for the Detroit Lions, and one that won’t cost too much draft capital. We’ve discussed that wide receiver is a need for this Lions team as the page turns to 2022, and it’s possible that, if they don’t land a top guy in free agency, Detroit double (or even triple) dips into the 2022 NFL Draft receiver pool.

An intriguing late round name to watch is Velus Jones Jr. If the Lions find their alpha receiver (maybe David Bell with one of their picks in the 30s) then it’ll be about finding contrasting styles, along with a deep threat. Jones can be that deep threat, as he showed in Mobile all week.

When Jones worked on a vertical plane, he was difficult to defend, hitting a gear that’s tough for most corners to run with down the field. He’ll need to develop using that speed to win underneath versus inside leverage when those situations arise, but the base level traits give him a role.

What separates Jones a bit is his contributions on special teams. Jones plays hard on kickoff coverage, flying down with his speed, and he isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder either. A deep threat with special teams chops is a good bet to garner favor from Dan Campbell and the coaching staff.