James Ross, LB, Michigan: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Shawn Spencer | Mar 28, 2016

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker James Ross (15) hits Northwestern Wildcats fullback Dan Vitale (40) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 38-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

James Ross, a 2012 four-star recruit, started 21 of 50 career games for Michigan. Started 16 combined games as a sophomore and junior, but made just three starts as a senior after losing starting job. Finished career with 188 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Adequate height and weight with a bulky frame and marginal athletic ability.

Measureables

Height: 5’10” 7/8

Weight: 239 lbs

Arm Length: 30 inches

Hand Size: 9.5 inches

Games Watched

2015: Florida, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State

2014: Michigan State

Strengths

Versus the run, James Ross is quick to the backfield as a result of a solid explosion off the snap. Displays solid functional strength as he possesses the power and hand usage to shed blocks and remain in the play. Very good competitive toughness, once free from the block Ross doesn’t give up on the play until the whistle blows.

On the play below, his determination pays off. Rushing off the edge from his LOLB position, Ross aggressively attacks the backfield off the snap. He’s picked up by RB/WR Jalin Marshall who prevents Ross from blowing up the play for a loss. Ohio State fakes the end around and QB J.T. Barrett will rush the ball up the middle. Despite being four yards in the backfield, Ross hustles downfield to make the stop and force a third down attempt.

Against the pass, Ross displays solid cover skills in zone. He settles into his area and reads the QB in order to diagnose the play.

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Weaknesses

Adequate mental processing as he is slow to read and react, causing him to be late to the point of attack. Marginal athletic ability, he does not possess the lateral agility needed to make plays on the outside. Not only does his marginal lateral agility prevent him from making plays on the outside, but his poor angles to the ball contribute as well.

As an edge rusher, poor flexibility prevents him from bending around the edge and getting to the QB. Poor flexibility in coverage as well as he does not have the quick hips or change of direction skills to stay with receivers in man coverage. In zone coverage, he is so focused on reading the QB that he is unaware of receivers running across his zone and allows easy receptions.

Tackling is the biggest flaw in his game. Ross is a poor tackler who throws himself at the ball carrier rather than wrapping up and securing the tackle. In the play below, he’s one-on-one with Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett in the hole. Ross does a good job getting off the block, but completely whiffs on the tackle. The miss gives Barrett a clear path to the endzone for a touchdown.

It’s not just on defense that this occurs. On this special teams play against Florida, Ross emerges from the bottom of the screen. He squares up the returner, but his delayed reaction to the stutter step allows the returner to blow right by him.

NFL teams will also be concerned by his diminished playing time and production over the past two years. He totaled 85 tackles as a sophomore in 2013, but combined for just 67 tackles in his final two seasons in Ann Arbor.

Overall

Overall, James Ross is a developmental project in the NFL who wins with competitive toughness. Is not a prospect with the skill set to succeed at outside linebacker at the next level. His marginal athletic ability and mental processing skills will make it difficult for him to make a roster.

His best bet may be to switch positions. He could possibly add weight and move inside to ILB, however his best fit may be as a fullback. Ross is technically sound when shedding blocks, knowing how to maximize his power and utilize his hands. He played TE in high school, so catching the ball shouldn’t be an issue either.

The switch to the offensive side of the ball will take some time, but even with the fullback position disappearing, it’s his best chance to make an NFL roster.

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