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The New Orleans Saints' latest signee, former Chicago Bears draft pick Velus Jones Jr., has the potential to be used similarly to another former Saint, Ty Montgomery. Jones is a wide receiver, but he's been most prominently featured as a returner, a rusher then a receiver, in that order.
That is very similar to Montgomery's usage during his career, who kept his wide receiver number but was truly a running back. Montgomery had more rushes than receptions in most seasons. That's been true in every season of Jones' three-year career.
Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller will lead the Saints running back room, but Kellen Moore needs to add another threat in the running game. Leaning into Jones' rushing ability wouldn't suffice, but it could provide an additional threat in that department. Montgomery saw 19 rushes and three receptions in just six games during his first season with the Saints. Those touches evened out in his second year, with Montgomery actually having one more catch than run.
Giving Jones 15 to 20 rushes in a season would average out to less than two rushes a game, but it gives him another contribution to the game. Some of those touches can come out of the backfield, but Moore can also generate rushing attempts for Jones on plays where he starts at receiver.
Creativity would be required, but Jones should see his dual ability explored in Kellen Moore's offense. The Saints should still search for a true running back, but Jones has the potential to play a small role in that aspect of the game.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Velus Jones Jr. brings familiar versatility to Saints
Continue reading...
That is very similar to Montgomery's usage during his career, who kept his wide receiver number but was truly a running back. Montgomery had more rushes than receptions in most seasons. That's been true in every season of Jones' three-year career.
Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller will lead the Saints running back room, but Kellen Moore needs to add another threat in the running game. Leaning into Jones' rushing ability wouldn't suffice, but it could provide an additional threat in that department. Montgomery saw 19 rushes and three receptions in just six games during his first season with the Saints. Those touches evened out in his second year, with Montgomery actually having one more catch than run.
Giving Jones 15 to 20 rushes in a season would average out to less than two rushes a game, but it gives him another contribution to the game. Some of those touches can come out of the backfield, but Moore can also generate rushing attempts for Jones on plays where he starts at receiver.
Creativity would be required, but Jones should see his dual ability explored in Kellen Moore's offense. The Saints should still search for a true running back, but Jones has the potential to play a small role in that aspect of the game.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: NFL free agency: Velus Jones Jr. brings familiar versatility to Saints
Continue reading...
