2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
27. Chiefs: John Ross, Wide Receiver
Top Needs: WR, IOL, DE, DT
The Kansas City Chiefs have needed a legitimate deep threat in the receiving group for a while, as the popgun passing offense created just the fifth-worst wide receiver Reception NEP per target in the league. Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross will be added here to create that other dimension.
Ross can line up all over the formation, with route-running precision and deep-threat potential. His slight build and speed are suspect, but Ross’s hands are sure when running crossing routes into traffic and when high-pointing. His speed is a true game-changer, forcing cornerbacks to assume the deep ball and leaving him uncovered underneath on curls and digs.
In 2016, Ross was 27th in yards per reception (14.2) among 76 FBS receivers with at least 60 receptions, and he was also third-best in touchdown rate (20.99 percent). His 81 receptions were tied for 21st-most among these wideouts.
