NFL Draft Profile: Justyn Ross, Wide Receiver, Clemson Tigers

NFL draft profile scouting report for Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross.

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#8
Pos: WR
Ht: 6035
Wt: 205
Hand: 0958
Arm: 3218
Wing: 7778
40: N/A
Bench: 11
3-Cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Vert: N/A
Broad: N/A
DOB: 12/15/99
Eligible: 2022
Phenix City, AL
Central

Justyn Ross
Clemson Tigers

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One-Liner

Long wideout with below-average speed who can win the ball by high pointing it. Good route runner and great blocker, valuation suffers from a lack of special teams impact and injury history.

Pros:

Long wideout who has lined up on the outside and in the slot. Possessing good route running abilities at that size, Ross can run a variety of routes displaying hip sink, foot speed and lower-body flexibility to turn tight corners. His releases are sudden and he uses his hands to beat the punch of press coverage defenders. Displaying high football IQ, he understands the spacing of concepts and makes himself available for the quarterback scrambling out of the pocket. Ross works the sideline well, tracking the football over his shoulder. A pure hands catcher, he is able to pluck it away from his frame. Using his length allows him to win the football in the air. As a blocker, he is great, showing a powerful strike and very good competitiveness. 

Cons:

Below average deep speed and burst prevent him from threatening vertically on a consistent basis. When coming out of his breaks, he is not explosive enough to maintain separation as defenders catch up. Ross does not always play big, allowing physical cornerbacks to redirect him and stay in his hip pocket. His hands are not consistently dominant, letting passes go through them at times and suffering from frustrating drops. 

Summary:

A tall and long wide receiver with below-average speed and good route running abilities. Ross can separate on timing routes and use his length to high point the football. He lacks explosiveness and fails to play to his size consistently. A great blocker, he projects as a starting outside receiver or big slot early on in his career. In order to be more than a tertiary option, Ross has to win in the air consistently. Injury concerns and just average special teams ability due to the lack of speed hurt his valuation. 

Background: 

Born on December 15th, 1999, Justyn Ross attended Central High School in Phoenix City, Alabama. The Central High School Red Devils play in the 7A Class of Alabama football, the highest level of competition in the state. Despite the elite competition, Ross accumulated 37 receptions for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. His physical prowess and high production against top competition saw Ross rated a four-star prospect in the 2018 class, per the 247Sports Composite. He received offers from multiple top-tier colleges and eventually committed to Clemson. Ross’ choice to commit to Clemson over Alabama was significant, as most elite prospects in-state view Alabama as the premier option. Ross quickly justified his choice, exploding for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns on 46 receptions as a true freshman. He performed well as a sophomore, bringing in 66 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. Unfortunately, doctors discovered a significant medical condition after Ross sustained a neck injury during training camp. He was diagnosed with having a congenital fusion of his neck and spine, which required surgery to correct. Ross missed the entire 2020 season due to the injury but returned for the 2021 season. Despite Ross being healthy once more, his production was tepid. He compiled 46 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns as the entire Clemson offense struggled to perform. Ross has since decided to forgo any remaining college eligibility and enter the 2022 NFL draft. Ross’ pedigree and early college production should interest several NFL organizations. He could be a day-two selection if he passes all medical examinations.

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Grades

Current Player Value/Potential Player Value

7.8/8.4

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