One prospect who the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in during this draft process and someone they may consider in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft is Washington wide receiver, John Ross. He is a 5'11", 188lb wide receiver who is considered one of, if not the best wide receiver in this year's draft class. Ross is ranked as the 18th overall prospect in the NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the 2nd best wide receiver in this year's draft class.
John Ross was at Washington for four years and played there for three seasons, and really had a breakout season this past year. During his three year's he totaled 114 receptions for 1,729 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also rushed 20 times for 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. Ross also contributed in the return game by totaling 86 career returns for 2,069 yards and 4 touchdowns. This past season, Ross totaled 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed 8 times for 102 yards and 1 touchdown. Finally, he returned 17 kicks for 411 yards and 1 touchdown.
John Ross
Wide Receiver, Junior, Washington
Height: 5'11" Weight: 188lbs 40 time: 4.22 (Combine record)
Arm Length: 31 1/2" Hands: 8 3/4"
Vertical Jump: 37.0 inches Broad Jump: 133.0 inches
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths:
- Broke the Combine 40 time record by timing in at 4.22
- So yeah, he's super fast
- Homerun threat and a touchdown machine for Washington in 2016
- Smooth route runner
- Tracks the ball in the air very well
- Solid hands
- Makes corners bite on his double moves
- YAC machine
- Great body control and balance
- Kick return ace
- Willing blocker in the run game
- Can be dangerous in the screen game and on jet sweeps
- Does not have a diva mindset
Weaknesses:
- Smaller build may make him injury prone in the NFL
- Has had a major injury happen to both knees but neither injury has slowed him down much
- Long term health is in question
- May struggle with more physical corners in the NFL
- Will need to show he can still run the route well after being jammed at the line
- Ball security might be a concern as well
Does John Ross make sense for the Broncos?
It makes a ton of sense.
It seems like the Broncos are in search of playmakers in this year's NFL Draft, and Ross might be the guy they end up with.
There are reports out there saying the Broncos really like Chrisitan McCaffrey, and if those rumors/reports are correct, they must also have Ross high on their board as well. He is an instant impact player and a home run threat who you can pencil in as your starting slot receiver for week one.
The majority of Trevor Siemian's touchdown's last season came on go routes, and Paxton Lynch has a cannon for an arm, so having someone who can stretch the field like Ross makes a ton of sense. Also, with Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas already on the team, opportunities for one on one coverages on Ross figure to be high. So whoever the quarterback is will be able to take advantage of that. And if Ross starts beating defenses, it will open it up more for Thomas and Sanders as well.
Ross would also contribute on the kick and likely punt return units as well. He returned a bunch of kicks at Washington, but only a handful of punts. I think punt returning is something Ross can learn and become very good at.
Now he does have some injury concerns, but he has not lost a step because of those injuries. His long-term health is a concern, but hopefully, he will be able to shake the injury bug in the pros and stay on the field for all 16 games.
Ross might be off the board by the time the Broncos pick at 20, but I believe he is high on their board. They're looking for playmakers and there isn't anyone faster than John Ross.