Former Tennessee Vols standout could be switching positions in the NFL

It looks like a position switch might be in store for former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Velus Jones Jr.

Jones, who spent the first four years of his college career at USC before transferring to Tennessee, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft after a breakout 2021 season with the Vols.

The Alabama native caught 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. In 2021, after Josh Heupel took over as Tennessee's head coach, Jones caught 62 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned a kick for a touchdown in 2021.

Unfortunately for Jones, he's had a rough time since entering the NFL in 2022. The former Vol has struggled with ball security and he hasn't been able to make an impact at the wide receiver position (Jones has recorded just 11 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown through his first two seasons with the Bears).

As a result, it looks like the Bears are considering moving Jones to running back.

Jones was spotted working with the running backs this week at Bears training camp.

The former Tennessee wide receiver is incredibly dynamic with the ball in his hands. It's just that Chicago hasn't been able to consistently get the ball to him. Moving Jones to running back could be a smart way to utilize Jones' skill set (a move from wide receiver to running back worked wonders for the career of former Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson).

Former NFL tight end/NBC Sports Chicago analyst Clay Harbor thinks moving Jones to running back would be a wise decision by the Bears.

"Velus Jones is a very explosive guy," said Harbor. "He's a guy that can run, he can move, he can change directions. He's actually really good with the ball in his hands. The only problem is getting the ball in his hands. What's one way to get the ball in his hands? To hand it to him...give him the ball, give him an opportunity to show that explosiveness, to show that change of direction. And maybe now he has the opportunity to make the team as a hybrid athlete."

Jones is expected to stick on the roster mostly due to his kick return abilities. But if he can prove to be a weapon out of the backfield, he could have a much bigger role than expected for the Bears in 2024.

Related: Vols insider's comments on Nico Iamaleava during fall camp should get Tennessee fans hyped for the 2024 season