Clemson Football: Top 3 prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft

The Tigers were going into the 2020 season with one of the most explosive and dynamic offenses in the nation. Even with the loss of their star wide receiver in Tee Higgins to the NFL, the Tigers were looking to excel in the passing game with Trevor Lawrence as the starting quarterback and Justyn Ross returning as a starter.

Ross was one of the most experienced and established wide receivers in college football. He underwent recent neck and spinal surgery for a congenital fusion that will force him to miss the entire 2020 season. It will be highly likely that Ross will go into the 2021 NFL Draft after spending his three seasons at college. There is some worry that Ross’ surgery could be serious enough to be career-threatening.

Since his arrival on campus as a four-star receiver in the recruiting class of 2018, Ross has been one of the top playmakers in the receiver corps. In his sophomore season, he caught 66 passes (second on the team) for 865 yards (first on the team) and eight touchdowns (second on the team). In his freshman season in 2018, Ross caught 46 receptions for 1,000 yards (first on the team) and nine touchdowns.

Ross’ ability to run explosive routes with speed and a great change of direction along with his frame at 6-4 and 205 pounds makes him a reliable receiver for Lawrence. USA Today has Ross currently ranked ninth overall of all 2021 NFL Draft prospects as well as 29th by Athlon Sports.