[jwplayer Ms1vBFZx]
John Ross is one of those players who needs a big season in 2020.
The Cincinnati Bengals know it. Ross knows it. So do fans.
But one interesting factor complicating things? Try rookie wideout Tee Higgins, the first pick of the second round this year and a guy the Bengals seemed to like as a first-round prospect.
While listing Ross as a player who needs a breakout in 2020, The Ringer’s Danny Kelly brought up an interesting point:
“His role in the offense stands on shaky ground heading into 2020. The Bengals retained A.J. Green on the franchise tag to pair with steady slot receiver Tyler Boyd, and drafted Clemson’s Tee Higgins early in the second round, making Ross’s path to a major role uncertain. If Higgins hits the ground running in year one―or if Ross struggles in the early going―the fourth-year pro may be relegated to reserve or rotational duties in what’s likely to be his final season in Cincinnati.”
Given how much the Bengals like Higgins and how his game figures to translate, there is indeed a chance he breaks onto the field at a respectable rate as a rookie.
With Tyler Boyd and A.J. Green — health provided — chewing up most of the snaps, that could indeed leave Ross sparring with a rookie for snaps.
Not that Ross needs big snaps to put up huge numbers. Two years ago he quietly scored seven times as a strong redzone weapon. Last year he briefly ranked among the league’s most productive receivers as a new coaching staff let him learn as he played.
Call it a great problem to have — the Bengals arguably have two capable No. 1 options with Green and Boyd, plus two massive-upside prospects they consider first-round products. No matter how it shakes out statistically, it’s probably good news for a guy named Joe Burrow.
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