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Cleveland Browns NFL Draft Profile: WR John Ross

By Matt Stevenson

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross runs the 40 yard dash during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Player Profile

Name

John Ross III

Position

Wide Receiver

Height/Weight

5-foot-11/188 pounds

School

Washington

Stats (link)

2016 – 14 games, 81 receptions, 1,1250 yards, 17 touchdowns

2015 – Missed season due to injury

2014 – 13 games, 17 receptions, 371 yards, 4 touchdowns

2013 – 13 games, 16 receptions, 208 yards, 1 touchdown

Considering Ross broke the NFL Combine’s record in the 40-yard dash, it’s safe to state he strikes like lightning. His ability to beat anyone on a vertical route also creates space in shorter routes as well.

The Washington standout’s footwork is decent, as is his route running, although there is definitely room for improvement. He can start at polishing his routes for those short gains and utilize the space given by defenders who play against his home-run ability.

Related: Malik Hooker draft profile

Ross doesn’t have that dominant go-up-and-get-it trait but at 5-foot-11, he does not need that. He blows by defenders off the line of scrimmage and if the quarterback can hit him in stride it likely turns into a big play.

Lance Zierlein’s profile on Ross pointed out he converted nearly 21 percent of his receptions into touchdowns in 2016. He draws comparisons to DeSean Jackson due to his explosiveness and Zierlein also wrote about his versatility:

"Ross is an instant-impact weapon who scored 23 touchdowns in just 112 touches. He should be able to step right in as a kick returner and a slot receiver, but teams with speed at tight end might utilize him outside to create extreme vertical stress on opposing safeties. If his knees check out as healthy, Ross is a likely first-round pick with the rare ability to become a high-volume slot receiver or a lesser-targeted, high-yield deep-ball threat."

Unfortunately, as good a prospect as Ross is there are some serious health concerns with him. In 2014, he tore his ACL and had microfracture surgery the following year. It was also revealed he needs surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder. Despite these injuries, Ross bounced back strong and now constitutes as a top receiver prospect of this draft class.

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