Former Cincinnati Bengals 1st Round Pick Finds a New Home

Former Bengals 1st Round Pick John Ross Signs with Philadelphia

After putting up 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, Ross had serious hype going into the draft. Then, he set the record for fasted 40 time during the Scouting Combine, running a 4.22. The Bengals brass were enamored and elected to take the talented wideout ninth overall and the third receiver taken.

From there, Ross never really took hold in Cincinnati. As a rookie, he appeared in three games. The only stat-worthy thing he did was a 12-yard run in Week 2 in his lone start on the year. In his second season, he took a step forward. In 13 games with 10 starts, Ross accounted for 210 yards and seven touchdowns off 21 receptions. Ross’ yardage increased in 2019, this time to 506 yards with three scores while hauling in 28 passes.

Then, he battled injuries and only appeared in three games in 2020. Ross only accounted for two catches and 17 yards. Naturally, his fifth-year option was not picked up prior to the season, so he was free to sign with any NFL team prior to the 2021 season.

That team ended up being the New York Giants. In his lone season with the Giants, Ross added 224 yards and a touchdown with 11 receptions.

After failing to secure a roster spot anywhere in the NFL during the 2022 season, Ross retired in 2023. Then, this offseason, Ross unretired and earned a workout with the Eagles. As a result, Ross signed a one-year deal and will compete to earn a roster spot. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at the top, Ross will have to show that he’s that first-round receiver the Bengals believed he would be.