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The Carolina Panthers may just be ideal for Fred Ross

By Ben Crumby

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross catches a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross catches a pass during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fred Ross, unfortunately, did not hear his name called during the 2017 NFL Draft, but Carolina may actually be the best landing spot for one of Mississippi State’s most decorated receivers ever.

In the eyes of a lot of Mississippi State fans, passing on Fred Ross in this year’s NFL draft was a huge blunder. Many even hoped he would get the call from Jerry Jones and be reunited with his college quarterback and friend, Mr. Dakota Prescott. Unfortunately, such a dream scenario didn’t transpire.
Instead, the Mississippi State career leader in receptions and receiving yards was signed as an undrafted free agent by Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers. Here’s what many may not acknowledge, this could be an ideal situation for Ross.

Cam Newton and the Panthers are coming into the new year after a largely disappointing 2016–17 campaign, where they were unable to make the playoffs after winning the NFC the year before. 2015–16 MVP Cam Newton experienced a statistical drop off, specifically in the passing game. He went from posting 35 touchdown passes, to just 21. He also struggled with efficiency, as he reached a career low in completion percentage.

Many chalked Newton’s performance up to his receiver’s inability to get open and make plays. This came as a surprise to Panther fans who thought the return of Kelvin Benjamin would only enhance to passing attack. With these facts presented, it is evident that the Panthers need weapons for Cam Newton now more than ever, and as many Bulldog fans, even Dak himself, could likely proudly agree with, they just might have one in their rookie mini camp.

Fred Ross knows he’s been overlooked, even being quoted saying he has a “big boulder” on his shoulder. Doubts about Ross stemmed directly from what scouts and experts consider to be  a lack of speed and difficulty in press coverage. These may be areas that could use attention, but in large part, there is no reason Ross’ game couldn’t be put to immediate use on an NFL roster. From crisp route running, to astounding hands and ball skills, Fred brings a huge upside to the table.

Ross has even found a way to turn heads at rookie camp already, using his strength to rip a ball away from corner B.J. Lowery after an interception. He has also found his way on to the Panthers’ twitter account, drawing attention from fans.

Ross could play a variety of roles in Carolina’s offense. From slot, to the outside, situationally we have seen him do it all while he was wearing Maroon and White. With lots of attention being diverted to Benjamin, Devin Funchess, and even fellow rookie Curtis Samuel, he could become a viable rotational, red zone and underneath option for the former MVP quarterback. He may not create a whole lot of space, but his ability to catch the ball in traffic brings a lot to the table on third down when Cam Newton has Vic Beasley Jr. coming off the edge.

To say that Fred Ross needs to be on your fantasy team or will put up Pro Bowl numbers as a rookie would be a little far fetched. But, to say that Fred Ross has a great chance to be the first Mississippi State receiver to record a NFL regular season stat since Eric Moulds, would be very fair. So don’t be surprised if come September of this year, Dallas Cowboy isn’t the only shade of blue you’ll be seeing in Starkville.

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