Tennessee Football: Projecting where Vols will land in 2022 NFL draft

In the preseason of 2021, the Titans had two of the best receivers in the NFL. With rising star AJ Brown and Falcons legend Julio Jones manning the receiving corps, the Titans looked to have an unstoppable offense.

12 months later, Julio Jones is gone, and AJ Brown reportedly wants out. Although the Titans did make up for it somewhat by signing Rams wideout Robert Woods, the receiver position could be in dire straits.

Velus Jones Jr., then, could be a spark for the Titans.

His speed is his greatest asset, and Jones Jr. ranked only behind Baylor man Tyquan Thornton as far as receiver 40-yard dash times go. With that 4.3 speed, Jones became a first-team All-SEC returner, and that’s where he figures to make the most impact in the NFL.

Yet, the Titans need burners at receiver for their offense. With play-action fakes to Derrick Henry forming a significant part of the passing game, Jones is a receiver who can get down the field. That kind of deep threat could help quarterback Ryan Tannehill feel a little more at home in 2022.