With the ninth-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected John Ross out of the University of Washington.
When you talk about John Ross, you talk about one of the more impressive combine feats in history. At the event, Ross ran an absurd 4,22 40-yard dash, the fastest time in the history of the combine. It was .02 seconds better than the effort given by Chris Johnson.
The skills are certainly there for Ross, who shined with the Huskies in Pac-12 play throughout his tenure. The youngster was able to earn first-team Pac-12 honors last season, one year after seeing his 2015 campaign washed away with a torn ACL. Ross was able to haul in 17 touchdowns, showcasing his knack for the big play.
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 188
40-time: 4.22
Bench: N/A
Vertical: 37”
Broad: 133”
3-cone: N/A
If there is any concern about Ross, it’s frame and fragility. The former Washington standout has been hurt repeatedly, including the aforementioned ACL tear before his junior year. He also tore a meniscus in his right knee during the 2014 season, and had microfracture surgery.
While none of it may matter in the future, it has to be a red flag for a player who relies so heavily on his speed and ability to separate from defenders. If Ross can stay on the field, he immediately becomes on of the best home-run threats in the game.
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Ross steps into a situation where he can learn from A.J. Green, one of the best in the past decade. Between him and Green, Cincinnati has no excuse not to take multiple vertical shots each game.