Redskins should consider trading for Bengals WR John Ross

John Ross is rumored to be available in a trade. While the former first-round pick hasn’t performed well in two seasons, the Redskins should consider trying to buy-low on him to add depth to their receiving corps.

The Washington Redskins have one of the weaker receiver groups in the NFL. At times last season, the group was a major problem. Josh Doctson failed to make the leap that many expected in his third NFL season. Free agent signee Paul Richardson dealt with injuries throughout the season that limited him. And, of course, Jamison Crowder dealt with injury struggles of his own for the first time of his career.

Because of the injuries and ineffective play of the group, Washington was forced to roll with guys like Michael Floyd and Maurice Harris in bigger roles. While both players can be capable in smaller-scale backup roles, neither had the upside needed to serve as a No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver when injuries struck.

The poor performance of the team’s unit plus the potential loss of Crowder in free agency likely means that the ‘Skins will be targeting receiver help in the offseason. It seems likely that they will go after some of the guys in the talent-rich 2019 receiver class, but they could also pursue other opportunities.

One such opportunity may present itself in the near future. According to Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline, the Bengals are looking to trade their 2017 first-round pick, John Ross.

This isn’t entirely surprising. Ross has struggled to establish himself as an impact player in Cincinnati despite having a chance to emerge with A.J. Green hurt last season. Still, Ross has immense upside and burning speed, so a team could try to buy low on him. And the Redskins should be one of them.

Ross hasn’t been the big-play threat that many expected him to be when he came into the NFL. He only has 21 catches, all of which came last year, and 210 yards on a less-than-impressive 36.2 percent catch rate. However, Ross scored a whopping seven touchdowns last year and emerged as a red-zone threat. His quickness out of breaks and solid route running affords him the chance to easily gain separation. So, it seems that he could succeed in that role if given the chance.

The Redskins have struggled to throw the ball in the red zone over the course of the past few years. Ross could actually help them in that area and could work out of the slot at times. He would be a good insurance policy should Richardson get hurt again, and could also help keep him fresh to allow the squad to stretch the field more consistently.

Of course, there are issues with potentially acquiring Ross. He dealt with knee and shoulder injuries during his rookie season, and when healthy, he was scratched from the lineup. That’s never a good look for a top-10 pick. Also, the fact that Ross hasn’t emerged as a vertical playmaker yet is concerning, as that really is the biggest skill he has going for him.

Still, despite these concerns, Ross, 24, has upside. It’s possible he could put it all together and become a good deep threat and red-zone weapon. The Redskins could consider giving up a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick for his services. Worst-case scenario, he just ends up being a No. 4 wide-out and only plays in backup situations. But if he lives up to potential, he could be a starter moving forward.