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Colts Express Interest in Michigan LB James Ross

By Luke Schultheis

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
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 /
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According to the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, the Indianapolis Colts are among the NFL teams that have expressed interest in Michigan linebacker James Ross:

The 6’1″, 232 pound linebacker recorded 35 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack in 13 games during his senior season for the Wolverines. In 4 seasons with Michigan, Ross appeared in 50 games with 21 starts at linebacker.

Nov 21, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker James Ross (15) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 21, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker James Ross (15) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

While Ross’ numbers don’t “wow” on the stat sheet, he does a lot of things on the football field to help a team win according to NFLDraftScout’s Dane Brugler:

"James Ross, SLB, Senior (6-1, 232, 4.67)Entering the 2015 season with 18 starts on his résumé, Ross doesn’t have impressive production on the stat sheet (32 total tackles last season), but he does some positive things on film that will appeal to NFL evaluators. He has a strong upper body with the aggressive hands to keep himself clean from blocks with excellent take-on strength. Ross has adequate first step quickness to close in a hurry, but he tends to get anxious and will abandon his gap responsibilities too quickly, biting on play fakes and misdirection. He is unsure of himself at times and doesn’t always trust what he sees, but with improved discipline to his diet as a senior, Ross will earn himself a spot on draft boards."

Having lost Jerrell Freeman to the Chicago Bears in free agency, the Colts could use some additional insider linebacker depth. Right now, last year’s backups Nate Irving and Sio Moore are among the favorites that are expected to compete for his vacated starting spot.

Ross could push for reps and add competition to the position, while being able to contribute immediately on special teams.

Currently, Ross is projected to be a late round draft pick or priority undrafted free agent by many draft experts.

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