Hobson Speaks on Ross

[*ochocincos*]

I typically give players 2-3 years to come along before I consider them to be bad/good. Some people want to write John Ross off already because he was picked in the Top 10 and they have this strange (old school?) mentality that a Top 10 pick must be a surefire selection that contributes immediately. Also, the Bengals don't like to depend on rookies being slotted right into a starter role, so they typically have some vet occupying that spot for at least the rookie's first 1-2 years. In this case, LaFell is that guy. And until John Ross can show clear improvement over LaFell in practice, LaFell will get the nod over Ross until the Bengals are statistically eliminated from playoff contention. That's just the philosophy this organization follows. Some may disagree, but that's how it is.

But let me emphasize this point because some people seem to forget it...John Ross doesn't all of a sudden turn this team into one with a winning record. If Ross can make it onto the field for at least December and show some talent, I think (some of) the doubters might very well change their minds about him being a bust or not. This team won't become a contender again until:
1) At least two of Ogbuehi, Fisher, and Bodine become at least average starters
and/or
2) The Bengals acquire new OL via FA and/or draft that are upgrades to the above players