The Kansas City Chiefs have some serious questions at wide receiver, but former undrafted free agent Justyn Ross could be the answer to the team’s prayers. The Clemson product continues to impress throughout the offseason, and he’s garnered the attention of both head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes Won’t Stop Praising Justyn Ross
Encouraging Words From High Places
Justyn Ross missed the entirety of his rookie season with a foot injury, but head coach Andy Reid said that this ailment is in the past and he should be 100% for the start of the season. This is good, as the Chiefs need another wide receiver to step up, and Ross could be that guy. The head coach noted that Ross has “made some nice plays” and has already earned the trust of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
For what it’s worth, this is not the first time we’ve heard Andy Reid sing praises about Justyn Ross. Just a few days ago, Reid spoke about just how much the Chiefs young wide receiver has impressed during his time on the field. While head coaches talking up young players is nothing new, it’s worth noting that Reid’s comments about Ross were completely unprompted. The reporter actually asked about John Ross, and Reid used the opportunity to talk about just how good this young player is.
Patrick Mahomes has made similar comments in the past as well. The two have been working out throughout the offseason, and the two-time NFL MVP has had nothing but great things to say about Justyn Ross. Historically speaking, you never want to put too much stock into an undrafted free agent that has never played a game, but there is reason to believe that Ross is more than just the second coming of Preston Williams.
Why Justyn Ross Could Be the Exception to the Rule
Some undrafted free agents are able to make a name for themselves in the preseason, but their production usually falls off a cliff once they get extended NFL action. While the NFL prospect evaluation process is not perfect, there is a reason most of these guys went undrafted in the first place, and that reason is usually a lack of talent.
This is not the case for Justyn Ross. Based on talent alone, he probably should have been a first- or second-round pick. During his true freshman season, the wide receiver recorded 46 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns while facing elite target competition from Tee Higgins, Hunter Renfrow, and Amari Rodgers. He built on that promising debut to put up 66 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns as a Sophomore. The raw production is obviously impressive, and he had the film to back up those numbers.
Unfortunately, the wheels fell off the wagon following that 2019 season. Justyn Ross missed the entirety of the 2020 season with a congenital fusion condition of the neck and spine. This injury required serious surgery, and while he did return to the field in 2021, it’s clear that teams did not feel comfortable with the status of his neck.
If Justyn Ross can stay healthy (and that is a HUGE “if”), then he has the talent to start opposite Kadarius Toney. Considering the lack of depth at the position, he should be the favorite to be the third option in this passing attack.
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