Advertisement

2024 USC NFL draft class: offense

matt zemek
·6 min read
1

One can raise a lot of questions about the 2023 USC defense. Far fewer questions exist for the 2023 USC offense. In terms of 2024 NFL draft stock, we know this much: Caleb Williams is likely to give USC the No. 1 overall pick of next year’s draft. Caleb is also in a position to make all of his USC teammates better. The Caleb Effect could have a substantial, wide-ranging impact on various offensive players who could become 2024 NFL draft prospects.

With that in mind, let’s look at potential 2024 NFL draft picks from the USC offense. For the record, not every player is viewed as a likely draft selection, only someone who will at least be considered. We’re also not assuming these players will declare. Some of the juniors here could stay at USC for one more season to further develop as players before ultimately pursuing a pro career:

CALEB WILLIAMS

Apr 15, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws a pass during the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams could become USC’s sixth No. 1 overall NFL draft pick, making the Trojans number one in college football. USC is currently tied with Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Georgia, with five No. 1 picks all-time.

MARSHAWN LLOYD

Oct 22, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back MarShawn Lloyd (1) rushes for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Lloyd will get plenty of work this season and every chance to make a name for himself as an NFL-ready running back.

BRENDEN RICE

Apr 15, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Brenden Rice (2) and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Jerry Rice pose for a photo after the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Brenden Rice to the 49ers? That would be quite a story. Rice was sensational in the Cotton Bowl against Tulane. If he plays like that throughout 2023, he will be a top-100 pick, very possibly a top-50 selection.

MARIO WILLIAMS

Oct 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Mario Williams (4) runs past Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Timarcus Davis (7) in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Last year was Jordan Addison’s time to shine at USC. This year needs to be Mario Williams’ moment of magic. A big season would guarantee that he’ll be no worse than a Day 2 selection.

AUSTIN JONES

Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Austin Jones (6) runs the ball against UCLA Bruins defensive back Stephan Blaylock (4) and linebacker Laiatu Latu (15) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jones didn’t get a lot of touches in 2022 until Travis Dye got hurt. Jones will be more prominent in the 2023 USC running game. Can he make enough of a splash when surrounded by so many other quality players?

DORIAN SINGER

Apr 15, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Dorian Singer (15) and defensive back Vincent Ragsdale (82) fights for the ball during the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Singer makes spectacular catches look easy. USC saw this at Arizona last season. Singer has a chance to perform in big games against elite opponents, raising his draft profile heading into 2024.

TAHJ WASHINGTON

Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) is pursued by California Golden Bears safety Daniel Scott (32) in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

He doesn’t have size, but Tahj Washington can really scoot. Another year in the USC offense will give him ample opportunities to impress NFL scouts as a speed demon who can make plays in open space.

DARWIN BARLOW

Oct 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Darwin Barlow (22) runs the ball against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Barlow won’t be the featured back, but he should be part of the rotation and will have a chance to show what he can do. He’s a tough, determined runner whose lack of touches will reduce wear and tear. That might actually make him more attractive, not less, to NFL teams on Day 3 of the draft.

JARRETT KINGSTON

Pass protecting for Caleb Williams will give Kingston a lot of spotlight moments. How he holds up will have a lot to do with his ultimate NFL draft board position.

JUSTIN DEDICH

TEMPE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 09: Center Justin Dedich #57 of the USC Trojans during the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. The Trojans defeated the Sun Devils 31-26. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dedich could have gone pro but wanted to run it back with Caleb Williams. He’s a leader, a seasoned and intelligent player, and someone who can play multiple positions along the offensive front. If he stays healthy, he’ll be a great addition to an NFL team’s O-line.

COOPER LOVELACE

Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive lineman Solomon Byrd (51) and offensive lineman Cooper Lovelace (71) celebrate with the victory bell at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

We have seen how agile Lovelace is. If that agility translates into impressive performances this fall, NFL scouts are going to recommend taking him.

GINO QUINONES

Quinones didn’t get a ton of action last season, but he will likely be called upon to provide depth to this year’s offensive line. How will he respond if the opportunity presents itself?

MICHAEL TARQUIN

The Florida transfer has the size and length to compete in the NFL. The 2023 season should be a showcase for his skills and attributes.

JONAH MONHEIM

Nov 5, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back Travis Dye (26) celebrates with offensive lineman Jonah Monheim (79) after scoring a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

A solid, dependable lineman, Monheim should start for this team. The table is set for him. A big year would undoubtedly earn him a draft pick in 2024.

Story originally appeared on Trojans Wire