NFL draft: Which USC players might get picked and when
WR Drake London and edge rusher Drake Jackson could hear their names called the first two rounds of the draft
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — A look at which USC NFL draft prospects will be selected this week in Las Vegas:
Drake London
WR, 6-4, 220, Possible round: 1st
What they’re saying: “London can line up on the outside and in the slot, shows good quickness to get off press, and is a quality route runner who can threaten at every level of the field. London’s scintillating combination of size, fluid athleticism, and route-running skills can allow him to develop into a true No. 1 outside threat. He has just one season of elite production on his résumé. Teams may be concerned about the ankle fracture that ended his 2021 season.” — Danny Kelly, TheRinger.com
Drake Jackson
DE, 6-3, 273, Possible round: 2-3
What they’re saying: “Once considered a contender to be the first pass rusher off the board in the 2022 NFL draft, USC’s Drake Jackson has seen a slight downturn in his stock during the last year. However, as Jackson’s scouting report indicates, the former DE-turned-OLB has the athletic upside and pass-rush weapons to be an impactful player in the NFL. The question is, can he realize that potential?” — Oliver Hodgkinson, Pro Football Network
Keaontay Ingram
RB, 6-1 220, Possible round: 5-7
What they’re saying: “Ingram was noticeably quicker and more elusive at a lighter weight after transferring to USC from Texas. He sees the interior clearly but can be too content to bounce runs wide rather than continuing to probe between the tackles. He’s a below-average run finisher but will create additional yardage with quick decision-making at times. Ingram can handle an occasional pass and blitz pickup, but he’s not ready to be a third-down option.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Chris Steele
CB, 6-0, 187, Possible round: 6th to free agent
What they’re saying: “Decorated recruit coming into USC program who failed to live up to expectations over three years. Steele offers adequate size and length as a perimeter corner, but had some distressing moments when his long speed was tested. He plays with clear eyes and decent instincts, but lacks ideal short-area burst to stay connected with long-form routes.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
CB, 6-1, 200, Possible round: 6th to free agent
What they’re saying: “Taylor-Stuart has all the traits found with top cornerbacks in the league, but he was simply too lost in coverage for chunks of last season. He gives away too much space inside the route from a variety of coverage schemes and needs to play with more urgent squeeze from the jump. His traits make him worth a Day 3 flyer, but he won’t become a factor until he can better utilize his physical gifts in coverage.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
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