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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after first bowl weekend

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the football against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi
December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) runs the football against Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) during the third quarter in the Pac-12 championship at Levi /

player. 48. . WR. Washington. John Ross. 21

Jameis Winston needs some help down in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers’ second-year quarterback has been lucky enough to have an elite No. 1 receiver like Mike Evans to throw to, but there’s really been nothing in the receiving corps other than him.

Evans might be one of the top-five wide outs in the league, but he’s often the focal point of coverage for opposing defenses. That leaves Winston without another top option throw to other than tight end Cameron Brate, especially with Vincent Jackson injured and aging.

John Ross would be the perfect deep threat for the young quarterback and he would make a nice fit for this offense. Tampa Bay is already one of the best up-and-coming teams in the league and with a speed threat like Ross at wide out, they could have a deadly one-two combination at receiver.

Ross has had a breakout season for Washington in 2016 as the junior has become Jake Browning’s top option at wide out, catching 76 passes for 1,122 yards and 17 touchdowns. He has the speed to match up well with even the best NFL cornerbacks and potentially blow right by them.

Another weapon like this in that young offense would be bad news for the rest of the league.

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