Buffalo Bills 7-Round 2022 Mock Draft: Post-Combine Edition

Buffalo Bills Pick 168: Velus Jones Jr., WR Tennessee

Measurables: 5-11, 204

In the fifth round, I opted to double up on wide receiver but for a good reason. Although Jones will be 25 years old as a rookie, he had an exciting college career. Jones Jr has returned more kicks than he has receptions during his six-year career in college. Jones also returned punts and averaged 15 yards per punt return in 2021. He averaged over 26 yards per kick return, including two 90+ yard touchdowns in 2021.

Even though he is listed as a wide receiver Jones Jr is really a returner first and a receiver second. His returning ability would immediately be some of the best in the NFL, and that alone would justify a roster spot for him. Jones Jr could also be used and developed as a gadget player on offense because of his speed and athleticism.

Perhaps the most impressive part of Jones Jr’s returning career is exceptionally reliable. Jones Jr had over 3,000 yards returning in college and did not have a single muffed kick or punt. And while Jones Jr does not have a ton of acumen as a wide receiver, he averaged over 8 yards after the catch per reception for Tennesse in 2021.

With Jones Jr, Buffalo adds two things they need. Buffalo has questions in the return game in both kicking and punting, and their receiver room really lacks the game-changing speed or yards after the catchability. While those may be Jones Jr’s only two NFL caliber skills, he surely could carve out a niche role on this Bills team.