Justyn Ross

Though Justyn Ross was sensational during his time with the Clemson football program, why did the star wide receiver go undrafted during the 2022 NFL Draft.

The biggest reason why Ross plummeted in the draft process was because he had surgery on his spine two summers ago. While many athletes go pro in something other than sports, Ross is poised to become the Clemson version of South Carolina legend Marcus Lattimore. However, Ross ran out of time to hear his name called in the 2022 NFL Draft. An incredible playmaker from an incredible program, but people are wondering why Ross was not able to have his special day.

Though disappointment sets in for those not selected in the 2022 NFL draft, history shows it's not the end of the road.

He went on to sign with the San Diego Changers and found a permanent home playing professional football. After his playing career, including eight Pro Bowls, Gates landed in the Los Angeles Chargers' front office. It’s just the beginning.

Only Andrew Booth Jr. and Baylon Spector heard their names called. The last time Clemson had just two players selected in the draft was in 2008, when Tommy ...

Click here to become a member of the ALL CLEMSON message board community today! Ross can separate on timing routes and use his length to high point the football. Combine those measurables with the questions surrounding his durability due to the neck surgery, and it's possible that teams just didn't think it was worth the risk. Although, despite leading the team in catches (46) and receiving yards (514), Ross never looked like quite the same player. However, his luck was about to take a downward turn. The dynamic wideout had two memorable performances in the 2018 College Football Playoff wins over Notre Dame and Alabama, with Ross registering 12 catches for 301 yards and three touchdowns.

Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross reacted to the disappointing news that he went undrafted in this year's selection process.

Despite concerns that he may not be able to play football again, Ross returned during the 2021 season for the Tigers — logging 46 receptions for 514 yards and three touchdowns. Ross’ 2022 draft slide stems from a serious medical condition he was diagnosed with in 2020. Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross was once considered one of the top WR prospects in the nation.

Even after seven rounds and 262 picks, there were several notable names that weren't selected at any point in the 2022 NFL draft.

(Signed with Dolphins.) (Signed with Eagles.) Working for a year under the right coaching staff, however, might get him to the point that he can be a valuable contributor. If teams are comfortable with his medical outlook after he missed all of 2020 following a spinal surgery, however, Ross offers unparalleled upside among the undrafted wide receivers. But he can be a pest at the line of scrimmage and is a solid tackler. At the very least, he has a solid chance of ending up a special teams ace.

Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) is the Union-Tribune Draft Analyst Eddie Brown's best available priority free agent after the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.

Dunkle doesn’t offer scheme versatility, but he’s a powerful right guard who can clear a path in the run game. He lacks ideal size or strength, but he makes up for it with impressive instincts and processing ability. Overall, he needs to improve his functional strength in pass protection to continue his success in the NFL, but his athleticism and size are solid building blocks for a potential starting left tackle. His discipline is impressive as well (zero holding penalties in his career). After a prolific prep career as a ball carrier, Smith played primarily on special teams and at linebacker over his first four seasons in Waco, before the coaches asked him to return to running back as a senior. There’s a lot of work to do with Monday’s technique, both in coverage and tackling, but he’s a legit playmaker. Strong features good height and size for the position (especially for this draft class), with accuracy at all three levels and the arm talent to consistently attack outside the numbers. Austin is one of the biggest risk-reward prospects in this draft. He’s a north-south runner with plenty of tread left on the tires. Checkered medical past likely caused potential Day 2 pick to tumble out of the draft entirely. The former No. 1 overall recruit is a big, physical corner who thrives in man-to-man press coverage. He returned to an anemic pass offense in 2021 that wasn’t able to truly showcase his skillset.

Clemson wide receiver Justyn Ross had a promising career at Clemson, but injuries prevented him from being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

He might not hit the ceiling he once was projected to have, but he could easily work into a role for a team in the NFL. Take the chance, and sign him. He ended up in the lower third all time with his testing numbers, something that further plummeted his stock. When he finally got to return in 2021, he had issues with his foot all season long.

Justyn Ross went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Twitter is not happy about it.

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