NFL Draft 2017: 5 Riskiest First Round Picks
By Joel W. Cade
Wide Receiver. Washington. John Ross. 4. player. 56.
During the entire lead up to the draft, the Cincinnati Bengals were linked to defense. They were often mocked to take edge rushers to help support their pass rush. They were also mocked to take a linebacker to support Vontaze Burfict and the aging linebacker crew.
Even though every linebacker was still on the board and Jonathan Allen was still available, the Bengals decided to take John Ross.
You may remember Ross from his record breaking 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. But if you are not into that sort of thing, you may remember him from all those pictures of him with Snoop Dogg who coached him in little league football.
John Ross is an incredible talent. He is not simply a track star with straight line speed. John Ross is an excellent wide receiver as well. He runs good routes and gets excellent separation.
So, what is the risk?
John Ross has serious medical concerns. He is often injured and unable to play. It was reported that several teams even took Ross off their board heading into the draft.
The Bengals took Ross because they need wide receiver help. In the 2016 Draft, all the high end wide receiver talent came off the board before their pick. With Corey Davis (5) and Mike Williams (7) already off the board, if the Bengals wanted a high end receiver, they would have to take him at pick nine.
The Bengals over-drafted a player with serious medical concerns. But hey, Pac Man Jones will be able to hang with Snoop Dogg so stay tuned to social media.