With speed being John Ross' game, he will probably be most effective if he is opposite a stud wideout.

High-end NFL Player Comp(s): DeSean Jackson (the two have already trained together)
Low-end NFL Player Comp(s): Ted Ginn Jr.

Best Scheme Fit: One open to getting him into space as often as possible. Would likely thrive the most in a Bruce Arians' offense, which relies heavily on the vertical passing game.

Note: All times listed in parentheses in strengths/weaknesses section reflect the start time on video - via Draft Breakdown - that displays that skill/trait.

Strengths

• "Easy speed" with elite second gear to pull away from defenders (1:43, 1:55, 2:14, 5:07) absolutely lethal on double moves and reverses. (0:47, 0:53, 2:43, 4:03, 5:33)
  
  
• Although his bread-and-butter in 2016 were still go routes and tunnel screens, he displayed the ability to run multiple other routes. (1:26, 1:37, 1:43, 1:52, 3:14, 3:44, 5:09)
  
  
• Great vision with the ball in his hands enhances his electric ability in the open field. (0:45, 1:16, 4:06)
  
  
• Trusts his hands (1:37, 3:09, 5:09, 5:51) and can adjust to low or off-target throw (2:17, 4:35, 5:51)
  
  
• Complements his deep speed with the ability to set up defenders with his footwork (0:45, 0:53, 1:56, 3:08, 4:34) and tracks the ball well over either shoulder. (2:29, 3:44, 4:05, 4:34, 5:07)
  
  
• Adds significant value as a kick returner (career 24.1 yards per return and four TDs on 86 attempts). (1:42, 4:39)

Weaknesses

• Tore his MCL in 2014, missed all of 2015 with a torn left ACL and needed surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder following the NFL Combine for an injury he played through in 2016.
  
  
• Showed the ability to beat press but lacks the strength to keep his feet against physical coverage (1:06, 1:06) or box out NFL corners - both shortcomings came into play against Alabama).
  
  
• Lack of size makes it unlikely he will win many contested-ball situations (1:43) and greatly decreases his chances of being anything more than a pest as a blocker in the NFL, although he is certainly willing in that regard. (3:32, 3:54, 6:49)
  
  
• Needs to be aware of surroundings and protect the ball in the open field. (2:55, 4:35)
  
  
• Unlikely to break tackles after the catch due to lack of lower-body strength.
  
  
• Sometimes gets in too much of a hurry on occasion when trying to create, occasionally stumbling over himself in his routes and after the catch. (0:48, 3:07)

Bottom Line

College receivers often must change their game in order to succeed in the NFL; Ross shouldn't really have to change his much at all. Certainly, defenses may go heavy on bump-and-run coverage during the preseason in hopes they can take advantage of his slight frame, but make no mistake about it: defensive coordinators and cornerbacks alike will likely soon find out they have little choice but to rely heavily on "off' coverage and bring a safety over the top. The result should be plenty of 10- to 12-yard out routes and quick screens until cornerbacks start to creep up a bit. From that perspective, Ross should have an immediate impact on his team: defenses will learn quickly they are going to need to give their corners help with him. The problem with receivers of slight build and their prospects for ever becoming a No. 1 receiver for their team is their inability and/or unwillingness to run a complete route tree, be it due to their concern over durability or a coach's fear of putting him in a position in which he is more likely than not to get hurt.

Much like Jackson (something we should really get a chance to see this year in Tampa Bay), Ross will probably be most effective if he is opposite a stud wideout, forcing the defense to pick its poison in terms of how it wants to get beat through the air. That is not to say he can't or won't be some team's top option at some point, but he's going to need to add muscle without sacrificing speed and find an offensive coordinator willing and able to consistently scheme him into space (tunnel screens, reverses, etc.) when he is not running a go route. In other words, he needs to be treated as more of an offensive weapon than as just a slot receiver or clearout receiver. Some offensive coordinators are willing to do that, while others simply don't believe a No. 1 receiver should ever need to be "schemed open". In the right offense, Ross boasts T.Y. Hilton or Brandin Cooks' upside. In others, he could be highly inconsistent. In all likelihood, however, if Ross doesn't succeed in the NFL, it will be most likely because his body was unable to hold up. Durability (or the lack thereof) is really the only reason he should be considered the draft's third-best receiver, because he has no peer in this draft class when it comes to big-play ability (24 touchdowns on only 134 offensive touches over three college seasons.