Justyn Ross | Clemson 6’4” 205 lbs. | 12/15/1999 (Age 22)
Justyn Ross was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 14 | 46 | 1,000 | 21.7 | 9 |
| 2019 (SO) | 14 | 66 | 865 | 13.1 | 8 |
| 2020 (JR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2021 (SR) | 10 | 46 | 514 | 11.2 | 3 |
Once pegged as a first-round talent, Ross’ draft value slipped after an impressive first two seasons in Clemson. In his first 28 collegiate games, the lengthy receiver hauled in 112 receptions for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns. He decided to skip the draft and attempt to play in 2020 for Trevor Lawrence’s last season in Clemson. Plans changed, as Ross missed the entire 2020 season due to recovering from spinal surgery. He ended up coming back for the 2021 season, but he wasn’t the same without Lawrence. In 10 games played, he only managed to haul in 46 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns. It looked like he was missing a step all season. Nonetheless, the former top-50 recruit put together a productive collegiate career as a Tiger.
STRENGTHS
Great size and length. Impressive catch radius and arm length. Able to haul in off-target throws consistently. Well aware of where he is on the field, as he shows instinctive footwork near the boundaries. Although he lacks top-end speed, he excels on deep balls. He shows the ability to find soft spots and open holes in zone coverage as well.
WEAKNESSES
Overloaded with injuries already. Missed the entire 2020 season due to spinal surgery, and had surgery on a stress fracture in his foot in November of 2021. Not very physical for his size, and his lack of speed is concerning. Modest separation with below-average acceleration from the line of scrimmage. Not committed enough as a run-blocker.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Ross measured in at 6’4” and 205 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 24.9. He ran a disappointing 4.69 40-yard dash (8th percentile), equating to a 90.4-speed score (37th percentile). Ross also displayed an ugly 111.6 burst score (7th percentile), but a decent college dominator score of 30.0 percent (51st percentile). Ross lacks ideal NFL speed, as well as strength. His 11 reps on the bench press didn’t help his draft stock. He has an ideal frame, and he stands tall for his position.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
After going undrafted and without a deal after the first couple of days during the undrafted free agency period, Ross gets a chance with a Kansas City team that’s overloaded at wide receiver. Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore are locks to make the team. Ross will battle with Josh Gordon and others, including his former teammate Cornell Powell for a roster spot this offseason.
He’s worth a spot on your taxi squad. And he may be worth a selection in deep dynasty start-ups. He was once thought of as a first-round talent, and if you believe he’s capable of climbing back to that level, he’s worth the investment. Especially if he carves out a role in Andy Reid’s offense.
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