NFL Draft 2017: Speedy record-breaking wide receiver prospect visits Eagles

The Eagles hosted 2017 NFL Draft wide receiver prospect John Ross on an official pre-draft visit recently, according to a report from NFL Network’s Chase Goodbread. Ross counts as one of 30 pre-draft visits the Eagles are allowed to host leading up to the 2017 NFL Draft.

“I got a chance to talk to the whole (Eagles) offensive staff, pretty much, coach (Frank) Reich, coach (Mike) Groh, coach (Doug) Pederson. It was exciting," Ross told NFL.com.

Ross made big headlines at the NFL Combine this year when he ran a record-breaking 40-yash dash time of 4.22 seconds (some scouts had him at 4.19!). That’s some serious speed.

Speaking of speedy receivers, it’s no secret that Ross admires a certain former Eagles speed demon: DeSean Jackson. The two players connected earlier this offseason. Ross told NFL.com he was a fan of the Eagles due to DeSean’s presence in Philadelphia.

In four years at Washington, Ross played 40 games. He finished with 114 receptions for 1,729 yards (15.2 average) and 22 touchdowns. He also gained 195 yards and two scores on 20 rushing attempts. Ross logged four touchdowns on 86 college kickoff returns.

Ross has been projected as a potential first-round pick. For what it’s worth, some mock drafts having him going later in the first, but some have him high as the top 10.

BGN’s Ben Natan profiled Ross in a scouting report.

NFL Comparison: Ross’ complete game reminds me a lot of Emmanuel Sanders in Denver. Neither player has elite size, but they produce with excellent athletic ability and savvy. Like Sanders, Ross is a lot more than just a deep threat and can serve as a primary option in a passing game. Ross and Sanders both have weaknesses, literally, as players, but they can be overcome as separation ability develops in the NFL.

While I do not think Ross is the top receiver in this class like quite a few, I think he is absolutely deserving of a first round pick. The dynamic he brings to the football field cannot be undervalued and he is a lot further along in his development than a lot of speedsters to come out of college. His skill set makes him pretty scheme diverse and in an Eagles offense that likes to use a lot short passes to set up for shot plays, Ross’ YAC ability and his ability to get down field make him an obvious fit. While I would not, without hesitation, spend a top ten pick on Ross, he has first round ability and will be a game changer in the NFL.

One downside to Ross is that he’s injury-prone. The 5-11, 188 pound pass catcher missed his entire junior season due to a torn ACL. He’s set to undergo surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder very soon. Ross’ injury history likely explains why the Eagles wanted to bring him in on a visit. They probably want more information about his medical situation.

The Eagles still need help at wide receiver despite signing Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Smith is expected to be a new deep threat for Philadelphia, but it remains to be seen how productive he’ll be after coming off a few bad seasons with the 49ers. Drafting Ross could give the Eagles a new deep threat for the long-term.

You can watch game film on Ross via Draft Breakdown. Check out his highlights video below.

Spider graph time!

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey - [Click here]

Washington WR John Ross