From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
John Ross/WR Washington – 5’10/6 188
The Good
– Incredible, Combine record setting straight line speed (4.22 40)
– Quick-twitch player and a strong route runner, ability to drop his hips on underneath routes and bursts away at the top of his route to create space
– Shows potential to have an elite release off the line, nuanced route runner who sells initial stem with whole body, rare eye manipulation and stresses CB’s discipline and technique
– Great short-area quickness, fast feet and change of direction ability
– Quick to the tuck after the catch, YAC threat with elusiveness and straight line speed, will wreck DB’s angles in space
– Will be able to create yardage in the quick game (screens, slants, swings)
– Tougher to bring down than you’d expect, has surprising contact balance and difficult for defenders to line up and get a good shot/tackle on
– Shows some versatility on offense, has slot experience in 3×1 sets and use as a gadget player on sweeps/swings out of the backfield
– Gives surprisingly good effort as a blocker, team player and has a chip on his shoulder
– Experience running most of the route tree
– Kick return experience/value
– High level of production in final season, one of the most dominant players in college football
The Bad
– Thin frame who will have predictable questions about size, below average hand size (8 3/4)
– Can get beat up in press coverage due to size and functional strength
– Perhaps too much wasted motion off the line, needs to be more decisive and gain ground quicker than running his feet to break the corner’s jock
– Didn’t see much evidence of hand use to beat press, preferred to win with feet and shoulder dips
– Occasional dropped pass
– Effort is there but will have trouble stalk blocking bigger cornerbacks
– History of knee injuries and medical is extremely important
Bio
– One year as full time starting WR
– Career: 114 receptions 1729 yards 22 TDs
– 2016: 81 catches 1150 yards and 17 TDs
– 24.