By Ross Jackson
When he was signed by the New Orleans Saints, former Tennessee Volunteer Velus Jones Jr. saw his position officially change from wide receiver to running back. This transition was no surprise for Jones, who is confident in his abilities as a ball-carrier, route-runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.
“They watched my film, and they liked my running abilities,” Jones said of the signing. “No matter if it’s for running back or catching the ball, they like the fact that I play receiver as well. So I feel like that was a huge part, that I could come in and contribute to the offense…”
Even though he was a wide receiver with Tennessee during his collegiate days, playing running back is no foreign concept to Jones. He told Saints media earlier this week that running back was his first position growing up, one that he’s still very comfortable with today and has showcased when given opportunities in the NFL.
“Running back is just something natural,” Jones said. “That’s why I made it look easy during the preseason of last year.”
That he did. While many of his 20 regular season carries and 165 rushing yards came from schemed up runs like jet sweeps and end around from wide receiver alignments, last year’s preseason was different. Jones was given much more opportunity to line up in the backfield like a traditional running back to get rushing attempts. He made good on those opportunities.
Over three preseason games in 2024, Jones racked up 25 carries for 158 rushing yards and a pair of touchdown runs. His best game came against the Kansas City Chiefs in the final exhibition matchup. He took 13 carries for 111 rushing yards and one touchdown run of 39 yards. Two of his 11 rushes went for more than 15 yards in that game.
The breakaway rushing touchdown showcased his 4.31 speed as well as his great vision on the field. The run was a sweep to the left from a singleback formation. As he worked his way to the left, he patiently let blockers set up his lane, stuck his foot in the ground and accelerated downfield before cutting back to open grass and waltzing into the endzone. All great mechanics and skills were put on display.
.@VelusJr weaves his way 39 yards for the TD ⚡️
📺: FOX32 pic.twitter.com/stguYQKTGV
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 23, 2024
His vision and speed have popped up in regular season rushes too, particularly on jet sweeps at wide receiver that require him to work laterally before getting north and south. He tends to do so quickly, decisively ,and with burst.
Should all pan out for the fourth-year pro, he could add an intriguing skill set and dynamic to the Saints’ rushing attack. The game plan is set to be multiple and balanced. Adding some explosive playmaking on top of that surely won’t hurt, especially if typical big-run factory Taysom Hill is going to be limited to start the season.
Whether from running back or wide receiver, Jones has contributed explosive runs consistently. Of his 20 regular season carries, seven have been for at least 10 yards. While the total number may seem low, that’s 35% of his rushing attempts. If head coach Kellen Moore can get even half of that efficiency over greater volume, Jones could end up being a major contributor when called upon.
