NFL Draft: USC Trojans

I know it's been a while since the draft, but I haven't blogged about it so here we go. I'll start out with breaking down the draft from USC's perspective and then from Florida's perspective in the next blog.

No USC players were chosen in the first round. A lot of Trojans slipped in the draft with as many as 4 Trojans projected in the first round at different times. This is the first time in a while that there were no Trojans drafted in the first round, although USC did have seven players selected overrall in the 2010 NFL Draft. That tied for second most with Alabama and Oklahoma this year, behind only Florida's 9 picks. USC has had at least 5 players chosen in each of the past 6 NFL drafts and 7 of the last 8. And over history USC is second all time only to Notre Dame with respect to players drafted. USC now has 464 players drafted by the NFL, and Notre Dame has 466.

The USC draft picks:

Taylor Mays, S: (49th overall, 17th in the 2nd round) Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor Mays was projected by many to be a mid-first round pick so to see him slide well into the second round was surprising. His former coach Pete Carroll also passed on him multiple times to add insult to injury. However Taylor Mays landed in a good spot. The 49ers are a good fit for him. Coach Mik Singletary will know how to get the most out of Taylor Mays and he is best suited for a 3-4 defense where he can roam around so this might end well for Taylor Mays despite him dropping a full round and losing a lot of money after not coming out after his juniour year.

Charles Brown, OT: (64th overall, 32nd in the 2nd round) Drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Many also had Charles slated as a late first round pick so he fell a bit as well. New Orleans already has a pro bowl left tackle in Jamal Brown who is only 29 years old. And although Brees was sacked 20 times last year, it's unlikely that Charles Brown will be getting much playing time barring any injuries so he'll have a year or two (or three) to sit and learn and develop.

Damian Williams, WR: (77th overall, 13th pick in the 3rd round) Drafted by the Tennessee Titans. Many had Damian Williams as a 2nd rounder with some even thinking he would slip into the 1st round so he slipped a bit as well. The Titans have as many as 10 receivers on their roster, but none that really stand out so Williams will get his shot alongside last year's top pick Kenny Britt. Williams should be able to make his mark on this team even if it's not as a WR as he was one of the best return men in college last year.

Kevin Thomas, CB: (94th overall, 30th pick in the 3rd round) Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts could use some help on defense so Thomas should get a shot. He was helped by his performance during the combine where he was able to showcase a good combination of size and speed (6 ft 192lbs and 4.48 40 yard dash).

Everson Griffen, DE: (100th overall, 2nd pick in the 4th round) Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Griffen was projected by many to be a late first round pick, but fell all the way to the 4th round due to character concerns. The Vikings already led the league in sacks last year so he is going to a position of strength. He should be able to get some playing time however to showcase his skills.

Joe McKnight, RB: (112th overall, 14th pick in the 4th round) Drafted by the New York Jets. McKnight skipped his senior year to enter the draft after allegations of illegal benefits came about before USC's bowl game this year. McKnight heads to a team that led the league in rushing last year. They lost their leading rusher Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, but they picked up LT. McKnight will be the 3rd back behind Greene and Tomlinson, but he should be able to contribute on special teams.

Anthony McCoy, TE: (185th overall, 16th pick in the 6th round) Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. McCoy was projected by most to be a 2nd round draft pick, but due to a reported failed drug test he fell all the way to the 6th round. He is penciled in as the 3rd TE on the Seahawks, but if anyone knows how to use him it's his old college coach Pete Carroll so he might see some playing time if he comes prepared.

In my next blog I'll take a look at the Florida Gators that were drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft.