Kansas City Chiefs UDFA WR Justyn Ross spoke to the local media for the first time on Sunday.
The former Clemson standout gave an update on his health and his mentality at the onset of rookie minicamp. He also had an opportunity to let reporters know about the type of player he is and the type of player that he strives to be in Kansas City.
Asked about who he models his game after, Ross brought up one of the best receivers in the AFC West division.
“I like Keenan Allen,” Ross said. “I like to model my game after Keenan Allen a bit.”
While Ross has a few inches on Allen, he respects the way that he uses his size, movement skills and route-running ability. Those seem to be the main areas where he seeks to model his game.
“He’s a pretty tall guy, like 6-2, 6-3,” Ross explained. “He can move real good, run good routes and stuff like that.”
Ross won’t be playing the same role in Kansas City that Allen plays with Los Angeles, as Allen plays the slot. That doesn’t mean there aren’t good things to take away from his game, which could help shape the way he plays in the NFL.
One reason that Ross believes he can have success in the Chiefs’ offense is because of what he saw from another talented NFL receiver who happened to also be a former Clemson standout: Sammy Watkins.
“I’ve seen it,” Ross said. “I’ve seen players like Sammy (Watkins) just come here and excel in this offense. I feel pretty good about it.”
Ross says he hasn’t spoken with Watkins since he landed in Kansas City, but he is quite familiar with Watkins from his time at Clemson and the three years he spent with the Chiefs. Most notably, he’s familiar with the plays that Watkins made which helped the team win Super Bowl LIV.
Right now, however, Ross is trying to avoid getting too far ahead of himself. While it’d be nice to become a Keenan Allen or Sammy Watkins-type in the NFL, he knows that he has plenty of work to do in order to get there. Because of that, his goals for the 2022 NFL offseason remain quite simple.
“Just to get my foot in the door,” Ross said. “And to try and make plays.”