No player defines the optimism of training camp like Justyn Ross. At the end of July, Ross sat outside of the top 90 wide receivers on Keeptradecut.com. Since then, he has seen a meteoric rise on par with the NFT boom, with segments of the internet thinking cartoon pictures would revolutionize the global economic structure in the spring of 2023. But bubbles burst.
There are things to like. Ross would not be able to realize such dramatic growth if that was not the case. A 247 composite four-star recruit, Ross was WR7 in a class that included Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, and Ja'Marr Chase.
He immediately impacted Clemson as a true freshman leading a team that featured Tee Higgins and Hunter Renfrow in receiving. He established himself as a core offensive weapon for Trevor Lawrence until the spring of 2020.
Ross caught a slant in practice. He was hit in the back, which he had taken many times. But this time was different. After undergoing tests, it was revealed Ross was born with a condition called Klippel-Feil syndrome. The situation is a fusion of two vertebrae that present as one. Doctors removed the vertebrate and corrected the condition. Ross's career was initially thought over, but he was able to get back for the 2021 season.
That was not the end of the medical journey. Ross suffered a foot injury that saw him hit IR for his rookie season in 2022. Now healthy, he has camp buzzing.
For more Chiefs camp information, check out Footballguys August Updates.
Why Sell?
Ross is one of the significant feel-good stories running in the NFL. That can be true and applauded while also embracing the reality of his situation for fantasy purposes.
Despite the training camp highlights, the beat has zeroed in on the Chiefs' first-team wide receiver group is set. The group will not excite fantasy. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is locked into the starting unit, playing 350 more snaps than any other returning receiver. Justin Watson is running with the starters and has the second-most returning snaps, and the team values his blocking from the position. Skyy Moore has locked down a significant role within the offense after the team gave him a redshirt year to learn every position. Kadarius Toney, when available, is expected to be an offensive focal point. Richie James is also generating buzz. And the team drafted Rashee Rice in the second round of the 2023 draft.
That is six players, without even mentioning Travis Kelce.
Ross likely needed to have this strong of camp to make the roster. Summer excitement of practice clips fades very quickly when it gives way to little production in the fall. Expecting Ross to be a significant contributor offensively in 2023 is unreasonable, given the team's current landscape.
Ross is found money. But as a late rookie draft or undrafted player who had no production during his rookie season and will turn 24, the acquisition price was likely low. That is not a recipe for dynasty value holding strong.
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