When is the Clemson Pro Day in the 2022 NFL Draft cycle, and who are some players to watch at the event? Here’s a preview of the pro day, what some prospects still have to prove, and the latest status update on early-round prospect Andrew Booth Jr.
When is Clemson’s Pro Day in 2022?
- Date: Thursday, March 17
- Time: 8 AM ET
Linked here is a full list of pro days set to commence in the coming weeks, so you can view the rest of the pro day schedule across the nation.
Top Clemson NFL Draft prospects working out at pro day
Here are some of the top prospects set to participate at the 2022 Clemson Pro Day. There’s also an update on Booth, who opted out of testing at the NFL Combine due to a quad injury.
Justyn Ross, WR
Justyn Ross said he was medically cleared to participate at the NFL Combine. However, he only participated in the bench press at the event, logging 11 reps. Ross suffered a stress fracture in his foot late in the 2021 season after missing the entire 2020 campaign with a neck injury.
Were Ross to test at the 2022 Clemson Pro Day, it would potentially put some issues to bed for the 6’4″, 205-pound receiver. While he still has talent, some wonder if he’s the same player after his injuries.
Mario Goodrich, CB
The “other” Clemson cornerback, Mario Goodrich was a first-team All-ACC honoree in 2021, putting together a stellar season opposite Booth. He logged 2 interceptions and 9 pass deflections and effectively put his name on the map. The NFL Combine wasn’t great for him, however. He measured in at just 176 pounds and ran a modest 4.52 40-yard dash. After aggravating a rib injury during the 40, he didn’t participate in any other drills.
Goodrich’s rib flareup originated from bruised and broken ribs suffered at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, back in early February. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported during the Combine that Goodrich would “100%” run again and do drills at his pro day.
Baylon Spector, LB
One of the more surprising developments during the 2022 NFL Combine was Baylon Spector’s testing. Spector tested extremely well for his 6’1″, 233-pound frame. He put up a 4.6 40-yard dash and logged a 36-inch vertical and a 122-inch broad jump. Spector’s Combine performance helped bring him more buzz. If he adds solid bench press and agility numbers at the 2022 Clemson Pro Day, it’ll only help him even more.
Nolan Turner, S
We’ve already seen a number of underrated safeties surprise with excellent pro day testing numbers. Could Clemson veteran Nolan Turner be the next to take advantage of his opportunity? Listed at 6’1″, 205 pounds, Turner has flashed playmaking ability across his collegiate career. In his final four years with the Tigers, Turner logged 7 picks and 13 pass deflections. With no Combine to fall back on, this pro day is big for him.
James Skalski, LB
A true, tenured Clemson defender, James Skalski was with the Tigers as early as 2016. He played at Clemson for six seasons and was a key contributor from 2019 to 2021. Recognizable for his neck roll and old-school, blue-collar style, Skalski brings a strong 6’0″, 240-pound frame and great physicality in the box. Testing is the big question for him, as he’s not expected to perform quite as well as Spector. Perhaps he can prove otherwise during Thursday’s showcase.
Andrew Booth Jr. reportedly not participating at pro day
The most prominent Clemson Tigers draft prospect this offseason is Booth, by far. The former top recruit has frequently been mocked in the first round of mock drafts, dating back to last summer. However, there’s a sense that the media is higher on Booth than the NFL is. To make matters more complex, Booth didn’t test at the NFL Combine, and he might not be able to test at his pro day, either.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, “all signs point to [Booth] not being able to participate.” Booth reportedly suffered a strained quad while training for the NFL Combine. That injury forced him to forgo testing in Indianapolis, and it could do the same for him this week.
It’s unclear if Booth would have an opportunity to test at another pro day later in the offseason — perhaps in April when he’d have more time to heal. Whatever the case, Booth’s athleticism is very visible on tape. But some rely on the numbers to confirm and re-evaluate — something we may not be able to do with the Clemson CB.