Can we write off John Ross’ NFL career as a complete bust? Is there any reason to consider him in fantasy football?
The answer is almost certainly no. However, it is also hard to ignore a 25-year old former first round draft pick with the fastest 40 time in NFL history. There has to be something there, right?
Let’s take a look at his career and see if there is any fantasy potential to be had.
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John Ross’ NFL career has been a mess
If there was ever a video that summed up an NFL player’s career, it’s this video of Ross.
Ross’ 4.22 second 40-yard dash is still the fastest recorded time in modern combine history. However, Ross strained both of his calves at the end of the run. Shortly afterwards, he had shoulder surgery. From the very first moment after the 4.22, Ross has been injured.
His first four years in the NFL were injury-riddled. He barely saw the field in his rookie season. During his second and third years, he missed large stretches of games. In his fourth season, he sat out injured, barely seeing the field. The Bengals didn’t pick up his fifth-year option and he signed with the New York Giants during the offseason.
John Ross’ NFL career moment
John Ross exploded for three touchdowns, 11 receptions and 270 yards the first two weeks of 2019. Then he needed shoulder surgery, and was out again.
And that was it. He was a WR1 for two weeks and hasn’t seen a starting snap count since that surgery.
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Will John Ross find fantasy success with the Giants?
Sterling is out. (UPDATE: he may be returning)
All that remains is Daniel Jones, Kadarius Toney and John Ross. Ross saw a 60 percent snap count in week five. Due to injuries, it could be a lot more in week 6. In week four, he had three catches for seventy-seven yards and a touchdown in the win.
And yet, he probably shouldn’t be on any starting rosters unless you are in a 14+ team league or one that starts four or more wide receivers. History tells us any moment of Ross success is swiftly followed by disappointment. And with Toney commending such a massive target share, the former Bengal pass catcher looks set for the Slayton boom-or-bust role in the Giants offense.
There is upside with Ross, but it is offset by a ton of risk that is best left for another manager in your league.
John Ross goes TURBO SPEED & gets the TD ⚡️
📺: @NFLonFOX & Giants App pic.twitter.com/2hu8wZ3xUs
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 3, 2021
Two awesomely random John Ross facts
- Snoop Dogg had a youth football league and was John Ross’ coach. Ross hung out in his mansion as a kid and learned the game from him.
- Adidas had a deal that whoever broke Chris Johnson’s combine record would receive a private island. Ross beat the record, but there was a catch. He did it wearing Nike shoes, making him ineligible.
