Former Michigan Wolverines captain Josh Ross is not the linebacker who is going to jump off the page for scouts, but he could be a reliable resource to an NFL team.
The 6-foot-2, 224-pounder was a standout leader on the defense this season, helping the Michigan run defense become one of the top in the country. His play earned him a Third Team All-Big Ten honoree by the coaches and media.
Let’s take a look at the areas he is already great at and where he needs to improve before getting to the NFL.
Strengths
- Continuous praise from coaches for being a leader
- Downfield tackling
- Play recognition
- Overall toughness
- Solid in zone coverage
- Finds avenues to blitz well
- Smart player who is constantly in the right place at the right time
Weakness
- Lacks lateral quickness
- Not a sure-tackler in the open field
- Lacks speed to cover running backs in passing scenarios
- Lacks versatility with struggles in coverage
- Injury concerns
Harbaugh called upon Ross to step up in 2021, and he did just that.