ArrowheadOne “High Expectations” Player Focus: Justyn Ross

A problematic question arises with Justyn Ross — is he going to stay healthy, or will he suffer an injury that sets him back?

The medical issues experienced by Ross in 2020 were the reason he went undrafted in the 2022 draft. Had it not been for injury and identification of a congenital problem with the spine, he would have been, in all likelihood, a round-one draft pick. Due to a physical exam in the spring of 2020, Ross learned he had a previously undetected congenital fusion in his spine. Analysts and observers regarded the fusion-confusion alike, as career threat for which it remained questionable if he could continue his football career. This medical history issue continued into spring of 2022 though he was cleared to play football in 2021 but dealt with a foot injury most of the season. Ross’s Freshman year credentials at Clemson point to his success, but Ross went undrafted. That was how Brett Veach was able to sign Ross as a UDFA and Ross himself chose the Chiefs over other teams who wished to sign the WR.

At his pro-day, Ross ran a 4.63 40 but noted he felt a bit “shaky” but added that he felt good.

The way I see It

Ross showed one-handed skill at the OTAs with a one-handed grab on the sidelines. Travis Kelce chided him because he returned to the player huddle and acted like it wasn’t a great catch. I suspect under ideal conditions and not rehabbing his foot, Ross would run a 4.5 40 if it were re-timed today. All the feedback that I gleaned from observers is that Ross had particularly good Sessions of the OTAs and Minicamp and is now awaiting Training Camp. I am anxious to see him don the pads and compete for the 53-man roster. I asked Ryan Tracy and Dan Harms about Ross and Gordon. Ryan’s take was that either Ross or Gordon would make the roster but not both. I am torn about it because Josh Gordon also performed well at the OTAs and Minicamp. I gather from Dan’s response that he thought the result might be that Gordon over Ross.

At the same time, I am a big supporter of last year’s draft pick, Cornell Powell. Something must give! Somewhere among all the players in the WR Room at least one of these players is going to miss out in 2020(Gordon, Powell, Ross).

Ross Metrics

HEIGHT – 6’4″

WEIGHT – 205

ARMS 32 1/8″

HANDS – 9 5/8″

Ross did attend the combine but the only test he participated in was the bench press. He had 11 reps. The other stats come from his pro-day. The NFL evaluation indicated a 5.89 ranking (backup/special teams). This evaluation is far too low, considering that Ross lost the 2020 season due to the congenital condition, and he was hobbled later in the 2021 season with a foot injury and then surgery in November (Photo above). Despite this, 2019, 20 and 21 Ross had 500+ receiving yards all three seasons.

Ross has the talent and Skill Set that will benefit the Chiefs

If you accept the fact that Ross doesn’t have an injury history save the latter part of 2021, then he is a far better acquisition than we realize. Of course, this means we must accept that congenital fusion is not an issue but take note: He was cleared to play football in 2020. In which case, we will be able to see quickly in training camp, just how far Ross can go.

Without declaring Ross my favorite or being negative about the other WRs in the receiver group, I hope Ross succeeds.

David Bell – ArrowheadOne