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Wide receivers Washington Football Team could target before NFL trade deadline

By Jacob Camenker

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (11) runs drills during warmups before the first quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019.Cincinnati Bengals At Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (11) runs drills during warmups before the first quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019.Cincinnati Bengals At Seattle Seahawks /
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (11) runs drills during warmups before the first quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019.Cincinnati Bengals At Seattle Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (11) runs drills during warmups before the first quarter of the NFL Week 1 game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Cincinnati Bengals at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019.Cincinnati Bengals At Seattle Seahawks /

1. John Ross, Bengals

John Ross would be a nice get for Washington. He hasn’t been a great receiver that many expected him to develop into after being a top-10 pick during the 2017 NFL Draft. That said, he could fit in nicely in Washington.

Ross, 25, is a known speedster and famously ran a 4.22 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That record still stands as the fastest time to date. During his career, that speed has translated to success at times, but not in the way that many thought it would.

Yes, Ross has been able to stretch the field. During the 2019 NFL season, he averaged 18.1 yards per catch and has a 14.4 average for his career. That said, his quickness in the red-zone has been his real weapon.

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During 2018 and 2019, Ross totaled 10 touchdowns in just 21 games because of his ability to get off the line and gain separation in his routes with his speed. That would be a boost to Washington because while they have good size to target in the red-zone, they could use some more speed-based options.

The same can be said of their ability to stretch the field. Terry McLaurin is fast, and so is the team’s new addition, Robert Foster. But for much of the season, that speed element has been missing across from McLaurin. If Washington traded for Ross, he would add a new dimension to the offense and could become a game-breaker, especially since Kyle Allen has been more willing to take downfield shots.

Ross does come with concerns. He is only 5-11 and weighs under 200 pounds, so nobody will mistake him for a physical presence. His size has also led to injury issues. He only played in 24 of his first 48 games before being effectively benched this season after the emergence of Tee Higgins.

That said, if Ross can stay healthy, he would be a nice fit in Washington. He would give Scott Turner another weapon to use in motion and the speed element would complement what the team has well.

Ross can likely be had for a late-round pick, since he has asked for a trade, so Washington should be willing to make a move for that price. He is a free agent after the season, but perhaps a mutually beneficial extension could be reached.

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