The Chicago Bears need to rethink Velus Jones

Chicago Bears could use Velus Jones in the backfield

A second approach the Bears could take toward Jones’ usage is lining him up in the backfield from time to time. It’s been an increasingly popular trend to play wide receivers at running back in certain sets. This is no longer limited to one or two teams. Just last week, the Cowboys’ Ceedee Lamb lined up in the backfield against Chicago. The point here is that you don’t have to be a running back to take the role of one for a couple of plays.

This would give the Bears more options with how to use Jones. Something as simple as giving him more room to gather his speed before getting to the line of scrimmage could make a difference as a ball carrier or route runner. The Bears could also try their hand at giving Jones carries from the backfield. While he doesn’t quite have the running back build, Chicago has made it a point of emphasis to use Jones as a rusher. Given how well the Bears have run the ball this year, it could be worthwhile to experiment with this idea. Jones’ running style is far different from either Khalil Herbert or David Montgomery, and even just a carry or two a game could give the offense a change of pace. Furthermore, Jones’ experience as a kick returner in college should give him better field vision and running instincts than other receivers.

Final thoughts

All in all, the sooner the Bears embrace what Jones is, the better off both parties will be. He’s not an X receiver or a route-running wizard, but he wasn’t in college either. Drafting a player who only does a handful of things well and then not giving him opportunities to do what he does well is a losing formula that goes against basic logic.

Due to his limitations, getting Jones involved in the offense will take a concerted effort from the coaching staff, but unlocking his potential is worth going the extra mile. The Bears decided to spend a third-round pick on Jones, and at 25, he’s already at his athletic peak. Simply put, there isn’t time to be patient or let things play out. If the Bears want Jones to be the difference maker they drafted him to be, they need to make it happen now.

With the recent addition of Claypool, Chicago’s wide receiver room looks a lot more promising. Still, it’s hard to imagine one player can single handily elevate the unit from one of the worst in football to an above-average one. The truth is outside of Mooney and Claypool, there haven’t been any pass catchers that have proven to be worthy of a substantial role in the offense. This means there are plenty of touches and targets up for grabs. Even if the Bears as a team don’t have much riding on this season, Jones does, and how he ends this season could dictate the rest of his career.