Bears' Velus Jones Jr. described as 'freight train' by special teams coach

The Chicago Bears haven't seen much from wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. on the offensive side of the ball since drafting him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

In two seasons, Jones has 7 catches for 107 yards and 1 touchdown. He also has run the ball 9 times for 103 yards and a score.

The 27-year-old has also returned 5 punts for 35 yards and 38 kickoffs for 1,042 yards.

However, Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said Jones has looked "very good" working with the new kickoff return rule added this offseason.

Hightower spoke with reporters this week, saying:

“A guy like Velus Jones is a great example. A guy like that with the type of skill set, with the speed and power that he has, and he’s coming full speed ahead at you. It’s like a damn freight train running at you and he’s going to get an opportunity to touch the ball three or four more times a game, and we all know he’s a very dynamic player with the ball in his hands. But this new rule, because of the landing zone, because of the league incentivizing returns, it’s only going to have a really good effect for our whole return team but for a guy like that to really change the game.”

Although Jones hasn't contributed much on offense, it's not like the Bears are depending on him at the wide receiver position. He has a great shot at making the team as a special teams player.

Besides, Chicago's wide receiver room has been ranked as the fourth-best in the NFL heading into the season, thanks to the talents of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze.

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (12) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports