Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: John Ross A Possibility In First Round?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:44 p.m. ET

Fansided, Stephen Forsha/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

As the Dallas Cowboys hope to be even better after the 2017 NFL Draft, could wide receiver John Ross be in play as a first-round selection?

Though the Dallas Cowboys had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL last season, there was still something missing from the roster. In short, the offense could have been even better than it was. Dallas put most of their focus on the running game with Rookie of the Year running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys offense line controlling the tempo of the game. However, they still had a solid passing attack, too.

The Cowboys were 23rd in passing yards last season at 226.9, but overall the offense was fifth in the league at 376.7 yards per game. The leading receiver for the Cowboys was Cole Beasley with 75 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. With that said, they still looked a team that could enlist the services of a true No. 2 wide receiver—especially with Terrance Williams set to hit free agency.

If the Cowboys are looking for a wide receiver in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, they could possibly select John Ross from Washington. Ross would have to be picked in the first round given his current projection. Moreover, they might even have to trade up if they were to target the Huskies wideout.

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That said, no offense in the NFL is too strong. And if the Cowboys were to add a player like Ross to their offense, they could become even more powerful than last season.

Dez Bryant was the second-best wide receiver statistically on the Cowboys in 2016, though he battled some injuries and missed games. For his season, Bryant totaled 50 receptions for 796 yards and eight touchdowns. Williams totaled 44 receptions for 594 yards and four touchdowns, and Brice Butler had 16 receptions for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

Butler and Williams need some competition to increase the level of their games, and the Cowboys need more at wide receiver than what they've received from both of those players. The Cowboys shouldn't have to depend on Bryant and Beasley to be the only playmakers in the passing game. Thus, subtracting Williams and adding Ross could be huge for the offense.

Here's just an example of the dynamic speed and playmaking Ross can bring to the next level:

Ross isn't a perfect prospect. As with everyone, he does have some issues to his game, including that he didn't face the toughest of competition in the Pac-12. When he did face strong competition in the College Football Playoff against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ross caught just five passes for 28 yards.

With everything given, Ross most certainly has the ability to be a solid NFL player, and his speed and athletic ability could take him to a high level. Rob Rang of CBS Sports compares Ross to Brandin Cooks of the New Orleans Saints.

If that is the case, the Cowboys could use Ross to break open the top of defenses. Obviously, the main focus of opposing coverages will still have to be Dez Bryant. And with Cole Beasley in the slot and Jason Witten at tight end, eventually there will be a matchup opportunity for the Cowboys to take advantage of.

Ross might not be the No. 1 overall receiver for the Cowboys if he were to join the roster, but his skill set could potentially work wonders in the Cowboys offense and special teams if they choose offense in the first round once again.