Bengals Bytes (4/28): Couldn’t find a partner

Next up: No. 41
Here’s one take on Friday’s second and third rounds that begin at 7 p.m. on NFL Network and ESPN.

The Bengals are going to make their money in rounds two to four, which is where people think the strength of this draft is. Whether it’s an edge rusher, a linebacker, a running back, a defensive tackle, an offensive lineman, they’re going to be there. Just take your pick what round.

John Ross Draft Profile
Ross was just getting started on his way to stardom in Washington when he tore his left ACL in the spring of 2015. He had become known as a kick returner (three TDs in 2013-14) and big-play receiver in limited touches (16-208, TD in 2013; 17-371, 4 TD in 2014) before having to redshirt his third year at UW. In fact, coaches liked Ross' athleticism so much he started three games at cornerback (INT, two pass breakups) in a season he gained honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors.

Bengals speed dial Ross
The Bengals stunned the NFL Thursday night when they gave A.J. Green the fastest running mate of all in the person of Washington wide receiver John Ross.

Ross’ record-setting speed of 4.2 seconds in the 40-yard dash at last month’s scouting combine along with his remarkable collegiate record of 23 touchdowns on 112 touches convinced the Bengals to use the draft’s ninth pick in unBengal fashion.

Flash grade on Ross pick
While there were some highly-rated defensive players still on the board when the Bengals picked at No. 9 in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, and top-rated tight end O.J. Howard was also there, it's not the worst thing that they took Washington wide receiver John Ross.

Draft News Conference Transcripts: Rd 1
We’re really excited to be able to pick John Ross. Obviously, his abilities, the dynamic of his speed, the playmaking ability that he showed over his career there at Washington, (also) playing on defense — playing cornerback and making tackles ... so, he has shown his toughness all the way through. Obviously, his dynamic speed, it shows up on tape.

Ross, Bengals run into history on Draft Day
John Ross’ life changed in 4.22 seconds.

That was the wide receiver’s time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, breaking the record of 4.24 seconds set by Chris Johnson in 2008.

Inside the pick: good timing
Bengals secondary coach Kevin Coyle made the trip to Seattle for the University of Washington’s pro day last month and even though he was there to see the likes of safety Budda Baker and cornerback Sidney Jones, he hung around to watch the fastest player ever work out.

Speedy John Ross immediately upgrades Cincinnati Bengals' offense
Washington wide receiver John Ross believed he was worth a top-10 pick in the 2017 NFL draft. He knew he had impressed the Bengals after he took a visit to Cincinnati, so much so that he called his agent immediately after and said he could see himself going there.

Bengals' 1st Round: John Ross, WR, Washington
John Ross may be somewhat of a surprise pick at No. 9 overall, but the University of Washington receiver fills an immediate need for over-the-top speed across from A.J. Green. It was an element to the Bengals offense that was sorely lacking in 2016, and Ross brings that ability. He doesn’t fit the physical profile of most recent Bengals draft picks in terms of his size, but his deep ball ability, his route-running and surprising effectiveness in the red zone make him an attractive target.

Lewis on trade: ‘Nobody was interested’
Even Marvin Lewis admits surprise to how the first eight picks came off the board during the wild first-round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Upon going on the clock, the Bengals had options.

AFC North Bytes

T.J. Watt joins Pittsburgh Steelers OLB room, where rotations are out of fashion
With five games remaining in the Pittsburgh Steelers' regular season, likely needing wins to ensure the campaign didn't end in Week 17, Mike Tomlin issued an ultimatum.

No more five-man outside linebacker rotation. One of Anthony Chickillo, Arthur Moats and Jarvis Jones had to go. It was Jones.

Browns Add Jabrill Peppers, David Njoku Late In The First Round
Following a trade down from 12 to 25 with Houston that netted a 2018 first-round pick, the Browns selected Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers.

Sashi Brown wasn’t done dealing because shortly after the selection of Peppers, the Browns sent the first pick in the second round – No. 33 – and fourth round – No. 108 – to Green Bay for the 29th pick to use on Miami tight end David Njoku.

Surprise! Marlon Humphrey caught off-guard when drafted No. 16 by Ravens
With the run on quarterbacks and wide receivers, the Baltimore Ravens were on the clock with three prospective top-10 picks available.

Would the Ravens add a dominant interior pass-rusher in Jonathan Allen? How about a playmaking tight end in O.J. Howard? Or perhaps an explosive tackler in Reuben Foster?

Random Bytes

DA Draft Buzz: Notes for the Draft's First Day
While most players hope to be the first or second player selected in the draft, from a dollars-and-cents point of view it may make more sense to be the third or fourth player selected this weekend. Though the rookie salary cap numbers have yet to be released, it looks like the third player selected in this year’s draft will net more from his rookie contract then the first two selected if the draft order remains the same.

NFL Draft 2017: Round 1 Grades for Every Pick
Every player whose name is called during Thursday night's first round endured an arduous journey to reach the NFL draft. Each and every one of them is a winner.

Who will turn their franchise around? Help rebuild an organization?

2017 NFL Mock Draft Round 2: Day 2 Predictions After Round 1 Results
Front offices made huge statements in the 2017 NFL draft, trading up for quarterbacks despite the heavy criticism aimed at this class.

ESPN's Ron Jaworski didn’t feel any of the incoming passers deserved first-round consideration. Yet three teams moved up to claim their signal-callers.

2017 NFL Draft: Best remaining prospects
Here are the top remaining players in the 2017 NFL Draft, based on NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt's rankings of the top 150 prospects (number by player's name is where Brandt had them originally ranked).

Raiders select CB Gareon Conley with 24th pick
The Oakland Raiders have selected Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley with the 24th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Conley is being investigated by police after he was accused of rape by a woman earlier this month, the Cleveland police department confirmed to NFL.com on Tuesday.

Conley, 21, has not been charged or arrested in connection to the alleged incident, according to Cleveland Police spokeswoman Jennifer Ciaccia.