Can LA Rams stretch the field with Bengals WR John Ross III?
By Bret Stuter
Ross to the Rescue?
Of course, bad seasons and injuries are not unusual for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross. Since his selection in the 2017 NFL Draft, Ross derailed after blazing in his first two NFL games with 11 catches for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Injuries and volatile coaching staff have combined to thwart his hopes of becoming an NFL star. Now Ross is about to enter his fourth NFL season, having played in just 24 NFL games, and looking more and more like a player the Cincinnati Bengals are willing to part with.
Ross is an inexpensive player salary-wise. In 2020, his salary cap hit will only be $5.4 million. His 2019 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade recorded at 63.1. For comparison purposes, Cooks 2019 PFF grade came in 68.1.
The Cincinnati Bengals are now reportedly rumored to be shopping Ross on the trading block. In 2018 and 2019, he caught 49 passes for 716 yards. Over the two seasons, he averaged approximately 50 percent of the offensive plays. With a change of scenery and a proactive offensive coaching staff, Ross continues to have the upside of a very productive NFL wide receiver.