It’s unfair to say a player is a disappointment when injuries take their toll. But John Ross’ issues extended beyond last season’s knee and shoulder ailments. His benching and healthy scratches were far more concerning.

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Ross with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft to be an explosive threat opposite A.J. Green. His combine-record 4.22-second 40-yard-dash speed makes the wide receiver a unique talent. Although, he clearly wasn’t ready to play at the NFL level. cheap nfl custom jerseys

“Not to have excuses or anything, I just honestly wasn’t physically and mentally ready for what I got myself into,” Ross said, per WKRC Cincinnati’s Richard Skinner. “I couldn’t put a stamp on what was the problem, because there were so many problems. I was focused on something new every week. nike nfl jerseys cheap That’s what I realized it’s just not working for me.”

Now, everything is starting to click for the second-year receiver.

“I was in college last year and it’s a different game,” wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell said. “Even beyond not being here because he was injured, which is not something he nfl jerseys cheap nike can control, you need that time and you need to be able to be around NFL defenses and to see it. I think he’s progressing great and I think he’s learning well.”