How Justyn Ross can reclaim first-round pick status

CLEMSON — Justyn Ross has constantly stayed positive throughout the last year.

The Clemson wide receiver still hasn’t been cleared for full contact after undergoing surgery for a bulging disc last summer. It was discovered last spring he had a congenital fusion in his spine. The injury forced him to sit out the entire 2020 season. But late last season, he returned to the practice field for non-contact drills.

Ross participated in a non-contact role camp this spring; he finds out next month if he can fully return this fall. Before the injury, however, Ross was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation, widely thought to be a first-round NFL Draft pick.

So, if he doest get the all clear, can he reclaim his opening round status? What would he need to do?

For starters, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound wideout will line up in the slot. Ross believes he can be a handful for defenses when lining up inside. Plus, Clemson’s wide receiver room filled with players who can stretch the field, while Ross can fill the hole left by Amari Rodgers.

He’ll also need to build some chemistry with D.J. Uiagalelei. Ross and Trevor Lawrence had a great on-field relationship, as the two were an electric duo. They really hit their stride together on the biggest stage as freshmen, as Ross finished the College Football Playoff semifinals with six catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He expanded on that in the nation title game, pulling in six receptions for 153 yards and a score. Making sure he can help Uiagalelei as a go-to receiver will make Ross look good and help Clemson win games.

Justyn Ross is waiting for the go-ahead to return to full-contact. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

“It feels good, man, just because a year ago I was thinking I wouldn’t even be able to put on pads again. So it feels good. I’m very grateful. I’m taking advantage of every rep I get,” Ross said. “I was just out there smiling because I realized how quick the game can be taken away from you.”

The most important piece of the 2021 season for Ross will be to put together a steady campaign. After missing an entire season, his health will still be in question. He has 17 touchdowns and 1,865 receiving yards across his career; teams know what a fully healthy version of Ross is. If he can show he’s close to being that version of himself, NFL teams will want to grab him off the board early.

Early 2022 NFL mock drafts are including Ross, too. The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, projects the Clemson wide receiver going to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 32nd overall pick in next year’s draft.

“Based on talent, Ross belongs in next April’s first round,” Brugler writes. “But he missed the 2020 college football season because of a congenital fusion in his spine that puts his draft grade in limbo until the team’s doctors can examine him at the combine. Clemson expects him to be fully healthy and on the field this fall.”

As long as Ross gets the all clear next month, there’s no reason why he won’t have a successful 2021 season.

And if he can have a strong, healthy fall, the Clemson wideout will hear his name early in next year’s NFL Draft.