Baltimore Ravens Draft: John Ross Is An Option At 16

The Baltimore Ravens cannot overlook John Ross with the 16th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He is a real option, a real fast option:

John Ross is a player that the Ravens have to think about in the first round. Even if the Ravens get Brandon Marshall or another receiver in free agency, Ross is an option. The Ravens offense needs play-makers. No offense to Justin Tucker, who is the best kicker in football but I’m tired of hearing that the Ravens’ best player is a kicker. Ross has a chance to be a superstar. At the very least he has to be on the radar, a player on the shortlist.

The only knock that I can see on Ross is his size. Size is nice to have but Antonio Brown is 5’10” and he’s giving the Ravens a really hard time twice a year. Ross has the athletic ability to be special. I watch a ton of college football. I can count on my fingers the number of players I have seen in the past ten years that are even as electric as Ross. Every chance I got to see Washington play their exciting brand of Pac-12 football, Ross made plays. Today, Ross made headlines with his physical ability at the NFL Combine.

Ross Is The Real Deal:

Ross’s record setting 40 yard dash was something to take note of. It certainly doesn’t translate to automatic success in the NFL. Just ask Dri Archer, whose biggest accomplishment is being the third fastest prospect to run the 40 (as you can see in the @NFLResearch graphic). If Ross didn’t look like the real deal, than this would be insignificant. Here’s the thing, Ross shows up strong on tape, his production isn’t in question and when you put it all together, you have a true play-maker.

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Here is a video of Ross making the USC Trojans’ lives miserable. It’s a Draft Breakdown video by Emanuele Addondi that highlights where Ross is before each play. Watch how Ross makes plays. Watch how sharp his routes are. See for yourself how Ross creates separation and makes things happen.

In 2016 he had 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns. Looking at his game log on sports-reference.com you see the monster numbers he is able to put up. He had a 12 reception game against Arizona State. In a game against Cal, he put up 208 yards and three touchdowns with just six receptions. He had an incredible season.

The Bottom Line:

The Ravens need all the help they can get at the wide receiver position. They need receivers, not just one. They can still go after a free agent wide receiver if they plan on taking Ross. What’s the worst thing that happens? You can’t have too much talent.

Next: 3 Reasons Ravens Backfield Could Still Use An Upgrade

The Ravens have other needs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use their first round pick on Ross. This draft class is deep with cornerbacks. Gareon Conley or Cam Sutton could be there in the second round. Antonio Garcia could be a great addition to the Ravens offensive line in the third round. The point is that the Ravens have no position that is nonsensical in round one. They must get play-makers and Ross is the fastest one on the board.