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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: During the prolific run of head coach Dabo Swinney at Clemson, the Tigers have produced many superb receiver prospects for the next level. Hence, Ross was clearly something special when he could see the field as a freshman in 2018 and become an instant contributor for the Tigers. While Clemson spread the ball out as well that season, Ross made the most of his receptions, totaling 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns on 46 receptions for an average of 21.7 yards per catch in 2018. As a sophomore in 2019, Ross totaled 66 receptions for 865 yards – 13.1 average – and eight touchdowns.
In the spring of 2020, Ross was dealing with symptoms similar to a stinger in his neck. Testing revealed that Ross had a congenital fusion in his spine. A few months later, Ross had surgery, which knocked him out for the 2020 season. There were some questions of whether Ross would ever play football again, but he stated his goal was to come back. Eventually, he was medically cleared, and he returned to the field for the 2021 season. Ross dealt with injuries that limited him once again in 2021, totaling 46 receptions for 514 yards – 11.2 average – and three touchdowns in shortened season. Clemson’s quarterback play struggled without Trevor Lawrence in 2021, but Ross also did not look like the same player he was in 2018 and 2019.
As a freshman and sophomore, Ross showed a rare combination of size and speed that made him a dynamic playmaker. With his excellent height and long frame, Ross offers an immediate size mismatch against cornerbacks. Like former Clemson receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Ross is phenomenal at making contested catches, showing superb hands to make juggling and acrobatic receptions along the sideline. Also like the Arizona Cardinals great, Ross is tough and physical with defensive backs, using his size and strength to get late separation or box them out for the football. With his height, arm length, and leaping ability, Ross presents a huge catch radius for his quarterback.
The big question for Ross in the NFL is speed. Early in his career, he showed the speed to get vertical and run away from defenders, but in 2021, he looked significantly slower. Ross was not as explosive, and his top speed did not let him pull away from defensive backs. Perhaps the injuries were holding him back, but he was not the same big-play threat he had been in 2018-19.
Ross has some things to improve for the NFL. He could stand to sharpen some of his routes and avoid rounding off some cuts. While he is a tremendous receiver to make contested catches, Ross often mistimes his jump and catches the ball on the decline rather than high pointing the ball. Ross got away with it in college because of his height, length and hands, but NFL cornerbacks will be more adept at breaking up some of those receptions. Improving his timing to high point the ball better will make Ross even more dynamic and dangerous.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, Ross looks like a potential mid-round or third-day pick. He could slide into undrafted ranks if enough teams flunk him medically.
Player Comparison: Mike Williams. Ross has a style of play similar to Mike Williams, another former Clemson receiver. If Ross can regain his speed and stay healthy, he might be a steal and turn into a solid pro similar to Williams.
RELATED LINKS:
2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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