Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Top 5 Wide Receivers in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Tyler Dickson

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) during the first quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes 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) during the first quarter in the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi’s Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

John Ross – 5’11″ 180 lbs. – Washington

Al Davis would have drooled at the thought of drafting John Ross, considering the record setting 4.22 second 40-yard dash he ran at the Combine.

Ross was a four-star prospect and the no. 38 ranked wide receiver coming out of high school.

Strengths:

Obviously, Ross is a burner. He’ll outrun anybody, anywhere. He’s lightning off the line, and has an immediate advantage on the cornerback with his quick release. Ross could turn into a crossing-route demon in the NFL.

Ross tracks the ball smoothly over his shoulder and doesn’t need to slow up to make the catch. The QB could throw dig routes to him all day, and he’ll put up big numbers. He sets up corners with his speed, let’s think think it’s a deep route and as soon as they take a false step, he has them dead to rights.

Once the ball is in his hands, he smoothly transitions into a runner. He has vision in the open field and moves to make defenders misses. He also has a few one-handed catches that pop up on tape.

Weaknesses:

His knees are a big concern, with an ACL tear in each one. Which makes his 40-yard dash time even more incredible. He doesn’t have the frame or bulk to take on NFL cornerbacks at the catch point. sometimes he runs faster than his feet can manage, causing him to trip and lose his timing with the quarterback.

Ross’ footwork in his route running needs to be cleaned up. If he can better learn how to manage his speed, such as know when to hit top gear, that’s a skill in itself. He also can sometimes drop easy passes.

More from Just Blog Baby

Overall:

Speed is a trait that can’t be taught. That’s why Al Davis valued it so much. Look at guys around the league that have speed — DeSean Jackson, Ted Ginn Jr., Will Fuller and J.J. Nelson. Speed matters, and the league loves it. Even speedy guys who struggle in other areas have carved out NFL careers.

Ross has it more speed than most. Add that to his impressive receiving ability, and he’s the best receiver in this class.

NFL comparison: DeSean Jackson

Film score: 80.5

Athleticism score: 7.6 (Above NFL average)

Final score: 81 (Round 1)

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft