2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE
By Randy Gurzi
50. WR. Clemson. Justyn Ross. 23. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
23. Detroit Lions (via Los Angeles Rams): Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson
Entering this season, the Detroit Lions are without a true No. 1 wide receiver on their offense. Currently, Tyrell Williams is likely to occupy that role although he missed the entire 2020 campaign after tearing his shoulder labrum while with the Las Vegas Raiders.
He ended up being released just two seasons into a four-year, $44million deal — and he had just 651 yards and six touchdowns while playing for them. He could still be a solid option for them, but he’s also on just a one-year deal. That means even if Williams does well in Detroit, they’re going to need a new option in the future.
That leads to them using this selection — which they landed in the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams — on Justyn Ross from Clemson. Ross is a massive target at 6-foot-4 and 205-pounds and was one of the favorites for Trevor Lawrence during his first two seasons. He even registered 1,000-yards as a rookie while averaging 21.7 yards per catch.
Detroit has a long way to go in order to build a winning roster but if they do end up landing Sam Howell, as they did with the No. 2 pick in this mock, and Ross they could be much more dangerous on offense. Which is something they desperately need.