NFL Combine 2018: Prospects representing the USC Trojans

2 of 2

(Photo by Sean Haffey/Getty Images) /

More prospects reprenting the USC Trojans

Rasheem Green

After a stellar 2017 campaign anchoring the Trojans defensive line, Green could go as high in the draft as the 1st or 2nd round. Talent evaluators praise his strength and quickness on the interior. He has the length to disrupt blocks and bat down passes over the middle.

Green also developed an effective bull-rush technique. Green should show talent in most events, but it will be interesting to see his performance in strength drills.

The biggest fear most scouts have is Green’s size. Most believe overtime he will fill into his frame but until then worry Green will struggle to make substantial differences inside simply because he doesn’t yet posses the raw body power. He is also sometimes predictable to game plan for and a few evaluators have pointed out he doesn’t always focus on the play around him, but rather only who he is engaged with.

Because most concerns are about size and strength, the Combine may change Green’s draft stock if he underperforms or proves above expectations.

Nwosu Uchenna

Almost nobody doubts Uchenna’s athletic gifts. He possesses the speed and quickness needed in today’s linebackers which could land him somewhere within the lower 2nd and 4th round of the draft. There were questions about his commitment to the game a few years ago but he returned to play and can prove to scouts his passion in interviews.

More from LA Sports Hub

Uchenna is also a threat when it comes to stripping the ball away from runners and deflecting passes on the edge. Look for him to showcase all around talent at the Combine if he chooses to demonstrate his motor.

While Uchenna is gifted athletically, the tape shows an inconsistency in his play and energy. The Combine will be a decent measurement of how he chooses to perform on a big stage in front of important evaluators. Scouts also point out his need to not just rely on his athletic abilities by improving his technique and anticipation.

The bright side is those are skills that come with coaching and experience, not Combine drills. Just focus on putting all the effort out there possible.

Deontay Burnett

Burnett broke out onto the national stage in USC’s dramatic victory over Penn State two Rose Bowls ago. With a relatively thin frame, Burnett has shown extreme toughness especially going over the middle. He is a smart receiver and can track the ball well over his shoulder. A notable skill, and one that should be on display at the Combine, is his body control near the sidelines where he can haul in passes from the toes. Burnett has the potential to be a good possession receiver in certain situations.

Unfortunately for Burnett, he weighs in at 170 pounds which for a 6’0″ receiver makes him vulnerable to be overpowered by stronger defensive backs. This means he more than likely will not develop into an outside threat. He struggled to be dominant on 50-50 balls which allowed defenders to get more opportunities to make plays on the ball. This can be improved with practice but size is too much of a factor, and it is unlikely a good Combine showing will influence his draft stock. Expect Burnett to go somewhere in the middle to later stages of the draft.

Steven Mitchell

If the injury gods had shown Mitchell some more mercy throughout his time at USC, he could have been a major threat to go high in the draft. Known for his burning speed, Mitchell will surely show off in the 40 yard dash and other speed drills. His passion for the game can’t be understated as he has come back from not one but two devastating injuries.

All of that being said, injury concerns are injury concerns. Mitchell was unable to play in every game any of the seasons he was at USC. Scouts are concerned how he will handle the more physical play of the NFL but still have some optimism he can keep safeties honest.

Next: Did The Ducks Get It Right?

Mitchell may not even hear his name called on draft night, but if he puts up stunning Combine numbers he will be hard not to at least invite to training camp.

Home/USC Trojans