The Chicago Bears spent the 2024 offseason loading up on offensive talent.
The obvious headliner was first-overall pick Caleb Williams, who looks to be the Bears' franchise quarterback for years to come. Then, they picked up receiver Rome Odunze in the same first round, and added six-time Pro-Bowler Keenan Allen to round out the receiving core.
With Odunze, Allen, and D.J. Moore to throw to, Williams will have no shortage of weapons to target in 2024. But one football writer believes a name leaving the Bears' receiving depth chart could prove just as important as those coming in.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Matt Holder named Bears running back/return specialist Velus Jones Jr. as one of his top six breakout candidates at all positions for the 2024 season.
"It's starting to feel like the Tennessee product is following in the footsteps of another former Volunteer wideout—Cordarrelle Patterson," Holder said. "(Jones) is also expected to contribute to Chicago's return game this season, drawing another parallel between him and Patterson."
Jones, 27, drew the ire of fans for his selection due to his poor production in the passing game during his first two seasons. But he quietly began making the most of his opportunities on the ground and now appears to have made the permanent switch to running back.
On 17 career regular-season rushing attempts, Jones has 154 yards and a touchdown. When the Bears used him as their primary back this preseason, he responded with 158 yards on 26 carries, with two touchdowns.
Plus, Jones will continue contributing as a kick returner, and possibly return some punts as well. He averages 27.4 yards per return on kickoffs in his regular-season career.
Holder also quoted Bears running backs coach Richard Hightower via the team's official website, who said of Jones, "He's a dynamic player, we all know that."
With a loaded offense, especially at wide receiver, the Bears could take off if Jones becomes the all-around weapon he appears capable of being. But that's the challenge of being a "breakout" player--we've yet to see it, so Jones has to prove it when given the chance.
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