With The First Pick
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Washington’s John Ross Falling Down Draft Boards

By Carl Cockerham

Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) rushes the ball against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) rushes the ball against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Ross has blazing speed and breath-taking ability. But durability concerns have some teams taking him off of their draft boards altogether.

As we all know, former Washington WR John Ross blazed a combine record of 4.22 seconds in the 40-yard dash. And please believe that Ross is more than a one-trick pony with his speed. He’s a great route-runner, has great hands and runs very well after the catch.

Ross is also ready, willing and able to go over the middle when the situation calls for it.  He doesn’t have the size a lot of NFL teams are looking for at 5’11”, 188 pounds. But he’s the same size as Antonio Brown, one of the best if not the best WR in the NFL today.

So if you look at what Ross can do on tape, getting separation, he’s a sure-fire top-15 pick. But according to NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock, scouts have major injury concerns. And many of them have either downgraded Ross or taken him off of their boards.

Mayock said per NFL.com.

"“There are some teams that have pushed him either down their boards or off their boards because of injuries.  He’s had surgery on his shoulder, he’s had surgery on both knees, and he’s got a small frame. So the durability is a big issue with him right now.”"

Mayock himself still sees Ross as a first-round talent, who can make an immediate impact and I agree. But at the same time, I can understand their concerns. Being small gives teams cause for concern already and an injury history backs that up.

Ross has had surgery on both knees and just had surgery to repair a torn labrum after his pro day. For goodness sakes, he pulled up lame at the end of his 4.22 at the combine. But at the end of the day, his playmaking ability is worth whatever the risk is.

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