After being selected ninth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, first round wide receiver John Ross describes what it was like to be drafted by Cincinnati.
Being selected in the top 10 of the NFL draft is a dream come true for any player, but for new Bengals receiver John Ross it’s even that much more special.
The converted cornerback from the University of Washington had a breakout 2016 season at wide receiver for the Huskies and last night he told the media what it felt like to be selected by the Bengals. Here are the best quotes from that interview.
John Ross’ Most Interesting Quotes from Draft Night
His initial reaction to being selected by the Bengals:
"“My head almost came off my shoulders. I was very excited.” – Bengals media conference call"
Ross on if he regretted missing out on winning an island by not wearing Adidas cleats during the NFL Scouting Combine.
"“Not at all. Nike is an amazing brand. I’ve been wearing Nike my whole life. I feel like the island was for people focused on something … that kind of seemed unattainable. That wasn’t my focus. My goal was to go in and compete and run the fastest time at the combine.” – Bengals media conference call"
Ross on if his surgically repaired labrum will be healed before the start of training camp:
"“Yes, that was the plan. I’m right on schedule. I’ll be cleared in July and I will be ready for training camp.” – Bengals media conference call"
John Ross on playing with Bengals QB Andy Dalton
"“I met Andy a few weeks ago on my visit – great guy. I’ve seen Andy play before – strong arm, really good quarterback – and I’ve just seen how much he’s produced with A.J. Green.” – Bengals media conference call"
On A.J. Green and how they are alike:
"“Just his skill set – everything about him. Going into my visit, people said I kind of carry myselflike A.J. with how humble I am, how I’m a businessman like A.J., and how he takes his job very seriously.” – Bengals media conference call"
On his relationship with Tampa Bay receiver DeSean Jackson:
"“We have mutual friends. His family member was my dad’s friend, and he just connected us. DeSean had heard about me already, but it was long overdue. We’re from the same area. The first day when we hung out, it was like we were already family, and we’ve been talking ever since.” – Bengals media conference call"
Ross on actually getting faster after tearing his ACL in college:
"“Yeah, definitely. I feel like after I tore my knee, I got much faster. I started to work on leg muscles that I didn’t get to work on before, and my trainers kept telling me I was going to be faster, and I kept looking at them like they had something on their face because it just didn’t sound right, and it happened. Sometimes you just have to trust the people who know what they’re talking about.” – Bengals media conference call"
On fighting the “Just a speed guy,” label:
"“Yeah, you definitely do. I still feel like I fight that every single day, when people don’t believe in me that way. You just revert back to the film. A lot of my touchdowns were in the red zone. A lot of teams took away the deep ball with Cover 2 coverage. That made us convert a lot of our routes, and it kind of took me out of the game when it comes to the deep ball. It made me hone in more on the intermediate routes and work harder in that aspect of the game.” – Bengals media conference call"
Bonus: Marvin Lewis on John Ross
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was very excited about the addition of Ross. Here is what the “old ball coach” had to say about his newest player:
"“We’re really excited to be able to pick John Ross. Obviously, his abilities, the dynamic of his speed, the play-making ability that he showed over his career there at Washington, (also) playing on defense – playing cornerback and making tackles… so, he has shown his toughness all the way through. Obviously, his dynamic speed, it shows up on tape. When you watch the tape, you feel this guy playing. He gives us another option offensively and (he) balances the field some. We’re really excited. He’s obviously a guy who’s had surgery and should be ready to go right about the start of the season. That would be about the only question mark going in with him. It’s exciting.” -Lewis during draft night press conference, via Bengals.com"
You can also listen to the entire conference call here:
The NFL Draft Continues
Ross is no doubt excited and seems ready to be the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals. We’re excited to see who Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis bring to the Queen City this weekend.
The 2017 NFL draft continues with rounds 2-3 April 28 at 7 p.m. ET and concludes with rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 29 at starting at noon.