On the day Deebo Samuel’s trade request became public, the 49ers met with Velus Jones Jr., a versatile wide receiver prospect from Tennessee per NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo.
The meeting with Jones would’ve made a lot of sense regardless of whether Samuel had requested a trade. He lit up the combine with a 4.31 40-yard dash and put together a very good college career as a pass catcher and kick returner.
San Francisco’s receiving corps isn’t particularly deep and adding a player who might contribute in multiple facets would allow him a greater chance to contribute right away. He would also give the 49ers’ offense a vertical field stretcher that doesn’t presently reside on their roster.
Jones spent four years at USC before transferring to the University of Tennessee for two seasons. In four years with the Trojans he caught 36 passes for 347 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers jumped to 84 receptions, 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns in two years at Tennessee.
He was a valuable kick returner for both schools and averaged 24.4 yards per return on 122 returns with two touchdowns during his college career. Jones didn’t return any punts until his final season with the Volunteers when he averaged more than 15 yards per return on 18 attempts.
His 6-foot, 203-pound frame and good after-the-catch ability make him a good fit on paper for San Francisco.
