Justyn Ross is possibly the best wide receiver to play for Clemson University, if not one of the best we have seen in the college game of recent memory. Better than DeVonta Smith. Yes, I said that and stand by it. He has the size (6’4”/205 lbs.) and despite his pedestrian 4.87 40 time, as soon as he straps on a helmet and pads, he takes it to a whole other level. The current NFL player I would most likely compare him to is another Clemson WR product, DeAndre Hopkins. His size, catch radius and just football instincts are second to none.
The Negatives
Let’s just rip this band-aid off. The biggest knock on him right now is the fact he has a spinal condition that kept him out of the entire 2020 season. This injury even had some questioning whether he would come back to football at all. However, he was able to have successful surgery to fix the issue and will be coming back next year to terrorize opposing defenders. The other negative, if you can even call it that, is the fact his sophomore season didn’t live up to his freshman year. He dropped in yards and touchdowns but improved his catch total which is way more important to me.
The Positives
When you compare a WR to DeAndre Hopkins, there are things that they must do to justify these lofty claims. So, I broke down what makes a WR elite and not just good:
- They adjust to a poorly thrown ball
- Win contested deep balls
- Catches in traffic
- Beats press man coverage
- Makes plays after the catch
- Can make the sideline grab
Justyn checks every box and has done so since he was a true freshman. The question isn’t if he can do these things, it’s more, what can’t he do? Which I have found to be nothing. Watch this tape to see him win the deep contested ball (2:42), adjust to a poorly thrown ball (1:30), and beat man coverage (2:00).
What about those other things? Well, lucky for you, I have more tape. To keep it simple, watch the three plays starting at the 6:25 mark. He makes a catch in traffic plus makes defenders miss, adjusts to a ball already thrown, and shows his catch radius by plucking a ball that had no business being completed. Oh and the sideline grab? That’s at 4:15.
In the end, despite having Trevor Lawrence leave for the NFL, 2021 will be an opportunity to showcase his skills even more and prove any doubters wrong. D.J. Uiagalelei will be the starting quarterback and with him having starting experience, he and Justyn should be able to dominate from the first whistle. Drafting him should be a priority, the return on investment with him is going to be phenomenal. Justyn has the size and talent to be a generational player for any NFL team and especially for your fantasy one. Don’t sleep on this man.
Like what you read or just want to tell me why I’m wrong? Come find me on Twitter or if you want to dominate your fantasy league, poke your head around here to see how the DFFArmy can help you build that dynasty football champion. Until next time, Heady Mafia.
