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The Denver Broncos are reportedly searching for a wide receiver that has speed to burn and the ability to stretch the field vertically. Coincidentally, it just so happens that such a player has become available on the trade market. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cincinnati Bengals are willing to move former first-round pick John Ross.
Two years ago, top WR prospect John Ross set fire to the Combine with his 40 time. Now, sources say the #Bengals are shopping their former first rounder. A fresh start would be welcome by both parties, sounds like.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2019
After an impressive senior campaign with the Washington Huskies where he reeled in 76 receptions for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns, Ross took the 2017 NFL Combine by storm when he posted the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL history at 4.22 seconds — breaking a long-time record set by former running back Chris Johnson. Unfortunately, Ross’ all-world speed hasn’t translated into quality performance in his short career.
Injury concerns were an issue for Ross into the 2017 NFL Draft, as he missed his entire junior year with the Huskies after suffering a torn ACL. Those concerns came to fruition early on in the pros when he missed 13 games of his rookie campaign due to a knee injury. Last year in thirteen games, he caught 21 passes for 210 yards. However, 7 of those 21 catches went for touchdowns. Consistency and availability have been a dark cloud that has hung over Ross, which makes it reasonable for the Bengals to attempt to move on from him.
#Bengals WR John Ross has 60 career targets. He's caught 21 of them (35%), dropped 7 (12%), and 5 have been intercepted (8%). He's averaging 3.5 yards per target.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) February 26, 2019
There are some fans and writers across Broncos Country who think the receiver is worth dishing out a late-round draft pick for, but I disagree. While there is no doubt the Broncos could benefit from a vertical threat in their receiving corps, I wouldn’t give up draft collateral to obtain him. The wide receiver class in the 2019 NFL Draft is deep and there are plenty of prospects who should be available who would fit that role.
Penny Hart of Georgia State, David Sills of West Virginia, Terry McLaurin of Ohio State, Emmanuel Hall of Missouri and Terry Godwin of Georgia all fit the bill. While a few of them may very well sneak into the second day of the draft, I believe several will be available on the draft’s third day. Why not opt for another young receiver through the draft as opposed to trying to make the most out of a reclamation prospect in Ross?
A fresh start is always nice, but that doesn’t mean Ross’ injury woes and penchant for dropping passes will change on a new team. The Broncos should absolutely obtain a speedy receiver this offseason, but Ross shouldn’t be that guy. As far as hypothetical moves go, I’ll slate this firmly in the ‘pass’ category.
Poll
Should the Broncos go trade for John Ross?
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