Carolina Panthers: Is John Ross A Possibility At No. 8?
After an electrifying combine performance, John Ross is shooting up draft boards. Should the Carolina Panthers consider him at eighth overall?
Entering the NFL Combine, wide receiver John Ross of Washington was viewed largely as a mid-to-late first-round selection. What happened next should have been more expected, as he broke Chris Johnson’s nine-year record in the 40-yard dash. Clocking in at 4.22 seconds, Ross set the NFL world ablaze and immediately sparked his ascension up draft boards.
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It’s important to emphasize that Ross is not simply a one-trick pony in the form of Darrius Heyward-Bey or even Ted Ginn Jr., both of whom were top ten selections. Ross is prolific and capable of winning on all three levels of the field, and despite his size isn’t afraid of a crossing route.
His speed is not just apparent in a straight line, as he uses exquisite footwork and short area change of direction to gain separation early in his routes. Also reliable downfield, Ross’ film shows the ball tracking skills and speed adjustment ability to make deep catches routine.
The Panthers are a team in dire need of quality receiving options, more specifically those with speed and separation ability. This was before the loss of the aforementioned Ginn, who departed to division rival New Orleans in free agency. While Ginn was far from the perfect player, he had an unassailable skill in his speed and ability to win deep. His fit in the Panthers offense and with Cam Newton was perfect. Of his 25 career touchdowns, 19 came in just three years in a Panthers uniform.
Quite simply, Ross is Ginn on another level. His hands and reliability across the field sets him even further ahead from the veteran speedster. After leading the nation in touchdowns last season with 17, his production can’t be questioned either.
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The only factor with Ross comes with his injury history, one involving the repair of each meniscus and an ACL tear not long after. With his smaller size, these are crucial questions that will be medically examined leading up to the draft. If cleared, the Panthers should and likely will consider taking Ross with the eighth pick.