Justyn Ross: What To Make Of Perceived Hype

Each and every offseason, hype around certain unknown commodities begins to take shape. This could include quarterbacks that most believe will take the next step. Other possible defensive breakout candidates are maybe looking to build off of specific flashes from the previous year. But most of all, offseason hype around offensive skill players can take some wild and wacky turns. That appears to be the case for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross.

Ross has been impressing those in Kansas City with his work in offseason programs the last two years. Moreover, the Clemson product brings a unique combination of size and speed to the fold. Will that be good enough for Ross to see the field with the Chiefs offense?

How much of this perceived hype is worth buying? Will Justyn Ross get the push from teammates, in order to make an impact? Finally, what does Ross’s career history indicate about his possible chances to earn considerable offensive looks? Let’s kick it off.

Ross Looking To Overcome Injury History

Some players are just constantly dealing with a trying injury history. But for others, there is enough luck to be able to overcome those and find comfort during the rest of their careers. Justyn Ross is hoping to do just that with his recent injury history.

During his college career, Ross would go on to miss the entire 2020 season with a congenital fusion condition of his neck and spine that required surgery. Afterwards, the wide receiver would return in 2021, which wound up being his final college season. His 2021 campaign included 47 receptions, 524 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Justyn Ross went on to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs after being an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. His neck and spine injury may have been too much for some teams to keep him on their respective draft boards. Then last offseason, his first with Kansas City, Ross would have to undergo foot surgery. That forced him to miss all of the 2022 season and forced him to be placed on the injured reserve list.

How Does His Skill Set Complement Other Chiefs Wide Receivers?

All told, the Chiefs do not really boast much size and length at the wide receiver position. Justyn Ross was able to win many reps one-on-one by outmuscling opponents in college. For starters, Ross can quickly eat a defender’s cushion, due to his arm length erasing the surface area. He can just get on top of players so fast when working vertically. Elsewhere, Ross can come through in contested catch situations more often than some wide receivers. This is due to his expansive catch radius, combined with his excellent ball tracking ability, to boot.

Outside of his size, Justyn Ross was extremely impressive with his route running. His stems and cuts are crisp and show off excellent urgency. On top of that, this wide receiver was fairly instinctive in taking leverage openings that the defense was giving him in college. Chiefs coaches have to be impressed with the smoothness that he displays when making catches breaking toward the middle of the field.

What Could Be The Ideal Role For Ross?

If you look at the current wide receiver depth chart for the Kansas City Chiefs, there is likely a clear top three entering the season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the veteran experience of the group and is coming off of an intriguing playoff run. Kadarius Toney appears to be the de facto WR1 from the team’s perspective. And so far, all signs are pointing to Skyy Moore getting a noticeable opportunity to add more production in year two.

Other options are likely not going to hold a consistent role of starting snaps. Rookie second-round pick Rashee Rice will have to be molded into the offense. Justin Watson won on vertical shots and on third downs last year with the Chiefs offense. And in free agency, Kansas City added a quality depth option in Richie James. Perhaps, he carves out a meaningful depth role throughout the season.

So, where does that leave Justyn Ross? Overall, he appears to be WR7, at best. That is at least entering the perceived training camp battles and depth chart entering that period. His injury history is one thing. Though, seeing Justyn Ross earn a defined role is very challenging. That is especially true, when you consider the Kansas City offensive scheme and the spreading of wealth on offense.

Bottom Line

Time will tell if Justyn Ross can make a true impact in this upcoming training camp and preseason. It appears that he has the support of Patrick Mahomes and the coaching staff. Nevertheless, Ross will be battling within a quietly deeper and competitive wide receiver room than what most people would give it credit for.

Can his body sustain physicality long term? Even if that is the case, Justyn Ross could be used in a very specific and narrow role. The hype on him is terrific to see, given the injuries that he has overcome. But in terms of being a bonafide, true threat in the receiving room, Ross is likely only going to make an impact in a minor way, if at all, as things currently stand.