USC's top ten NFL Draft prospects

With the season coming to completion last Saturday at the Emerald Bowl, it is time to look at some of the USC Trojans, who are either eligible or probable to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Last year’s USC draft class proved to be stocked full of talent, especially at the linebacker position. This year’s class has a number of talented players as well. Below are my early projections of where some of the players might go:

1. Taylor Mays (S, 6-3, 230) – Incredible size and speed for a safety, high-impact player. Mays may have made a mistake by returning for his senior season; however, he is a first-round lock and most likely the first Trojan off the board in the 2010 draft. Projection: Middle 1st Round
2. Charles Brown (OT, 6-6, 295) – 2009 Morris Trophy winner, Brown emerged as an excellent blind-side blocker. Possessing prototypical size at tackle, the former tight end has great mobility and athleticism for the position. His run-blocking needs more development, but he is ready to deliver premium quarterback protection. Projection: Middle-late 1st Round
3. *Damian Williams (WR, 6-1, 190) – Williams was one of the Pac-10’s top receivers and punt return men this past season, but was considered a middle-of-the-pack receiving prospect. 12 catches and 189 yards receiving in the Emerald Bowl later, Williams is moving up the boards. While he does not possess elite speed, Williams is deceptively quick and a great route runner. Projection: Middle 2nd Round
4. *Everson Griffen (DE, 6-3, 235) - Griffen was a force at defensive end for the Trojans this past year, disrupting the opposing offense and getting to the quarterback. Durability is a main concern with Griffen as he has had some nagging injury problems on occasion. He is probably more suited to be a pass-rushing specialist in the NFL, but luckily for Griffen pass-rushing is always in high demand. Projection: Middle 2nd – Early 3rd Round
5. *Joe McKnight (RB, 6-0, 200) – McKnight has had an interesting career at USC. The top rated tailback coming out of high school in 2007, McKnight possesses elite speed but is somewhat undersized to be an every down back. The junior tailback has also had fumble problems and injury issues during his career with the Trojans. Many have labeled McKnight as a poor man’s Reggie Bush. I compare McKnight with Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys in that, if he can stay on the field and be used in the right situation, he can be a very good NFL player. Projection: Late 2nd - 3rd Round
6. Jeff Byers (OL, 6-4, 285) – By many accounts Byers, the sixth-year senior, is already somewhat of a veteran. He has good feet, a great work ethic and is incredibly intelligent. Injuries have been the downfall of Byers collegiate career with the Trojans but, if he can stay healthy, he is a solid, if not good lineman, who can play multiple positions, including center. In many ways Byers reminds me of former Cal Bears’ center Jeremy Newberry. Projection: Late 3rd- 4th Round
7. Anthony McCoy (TE, 6-5, 255) - McCoy’s senior season proved to be a coming out party for the enigmatic tight end. There were times were we saw a player capable of making the big catch while barreling over defenders, and then there were the times where we saw a player, who was incapable of holding onto the football. At 6’5” 250 lb, McCoy will probably be more of a blocking tight end than a receiving threat, but he does have good hands and the ability to make plays. Projection: Middle-late 4th Round
8. Will Harris (S, 6-1, 200) – Harris started opposite Taylor Mays this year and had a pretty solid season for the Trojans. He is a bit of a tweener at the safety position, but Harris has shown a knack for being in the right place at the right time like in the Arizona State game this past season. Projection: 6th Round
9. Kevin Thomas (CB, 6-1, 185) – Thomas started every game at cornerback for USC this past year and did a solid job. Not exactly a flashy, shutdown corner, Thomas reminds me of former Trojan Cary Harris, a solid player with good size for the position. Projection: Late 6th-7th Round
10. Averell Spicer (DT, 6-2, 295) – Averell Spicer is a stout, wide-bodied lineman capable of playing the nose tackle position. The 5th-year player was slated to start this year; however, Spicer’s senior season was plagued with injuries almost from the get go. Spicer missed a number of games this season and was also academically ineligible for the Emerald Bowl. Projection: 7th Round

Other notables: Josh Pinkard (S, 6-2, 210), Luthur Brown (LB, 6-2, 235), Garrett Green (QB-WR, 6-2, 210), Nick Howell (OL, 6-5, 300), **Stafon Johnson (RB, 5-11, 210), *C.J. Gable (RB, 6-0, 205), Alex Parsons (OL, 6-4, 300)

*Denotes underclassman
**Can petition NCAA for 6th-year of elgibility due to medical hardship

For more information and draft news, check out NFL Draft Examiner, Josh Lobdell.