FSM Presents: Rellz Rantz - Could The Las Vegas Raiders Be Perfect For John Ross?

Photo Credit: AP Photo / Emilee Chinn

Rellz Rantz – Could the Las Vegas Raiders be perfect for John Ross?

While many are ready to write off this former ninth overall pick, he still has a ton of value at only 24 years old. John Ross is the type of low-risk, high reward player who coaches and GMs love to kick the tires on, especially when he ran a 4.22 40 yard dash only a few short years ago. Could he rejuvenate himself in Sin City?

Rellz Rants — *Photo Credit: Silver and Black Pride*

Disaster is an understatement for John Ross’ career to this point. As a top 10 pick, players are expected to contribute early and often. In his rookie year, he played in only three games and didn’t register a single catch. His lone touch as a rookie was a jet sweep …which he fumbled.

His sophomore season was a bit better with flashes of the speedy playmaker that had teams salivating over him in the 2017 NFL Draft. He appeared in 13 contest over his second season in the NFL. While he only had 21 catches for 210 yards, it was his seven trips to the endzone on a third of his touches that made you take notice.

In his third NFL season, Ross amassed 506 yards on 26 catches and three scores. In 2020, Ross’ fortunes turned upside down again. Unhappy with his role in Cincinnati, Ross demanded a trade prior to the deadline. Cincy declined to move him and he instead ended up on the injury reserve list for the remainder of the season.

In the offseason, Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Mike Mayock decided to role the dice on another former first round speedster in Nelson Agholor. The change of scenery rejuvenated the USC product. Prior to landing on The Strip in Sin City, Nelson Agholor had woes of his own.

Prior to the 2020 NFL season, ‘Nelly’ was a castoff. The Eagles made him public enemy number one. His first five seasons left plenty to be desired from the former USC standout. In his rookie campaign Agholor totaled a pedestrian 283 yards on a modest 23 receptions.

Things did not go much better for him in his sophomore season either. His best years came consecutively in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Amassing more than 735 yards in each of those seasons and also adding eight touchdowns on a surprise Super Bowl run in that 17′ season. 2019 was more of the same issues that plagued him early in his NFL career.

Most notable of his issues while in Philly were his numerous drops. He was often going viral for some crucial drop on third down or wide open bomb 50 yards down field. Many in the media and on social media joked that he the worst hands in the league. That was saying a lot considering some of his teammates own drop numbers over that span. Things got to a point where Eagles fans were just praying for the $9 million plus fifth year wideout would to go away. In 2020 that is just what Agholor did. ‘Nelly’ found his footing in Las Vegas playing alongside Derek Carr. Drops were far in-between and he became a primary option. Earning himself a hefty payday this offseason.

What if John Ross can find the magic that made him electrifying in college? Nelson Agholor sure did.

Sometimes players need a confidence reset. Sure, Ross isn’t the number one option fans are clamoring for, he offers value on special teams as a return man. Maybe a change of scenery is exactly what Ross needs. Paring him with the 4.27 speed of Henry Ruggs III, and the craftiness of Hunter Renfrow could intrigue Jon Gruden enough to bring him to Las Vegas. Speed galore. The Raiders are chasing the Kansas City Chiefs.

Speed all around is needed to compete wit them. Chucky would love to spread the field for Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs to work. Especially if they find a way to retain Nelson Agholor.

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