USC Football: 2015 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results
As is the case virtually every year, the 2015 NFL draft will welcome multiple USC Trojans into the NFL fraternity during the three-day event.
The obvious headliner is defensive lineman Leonard Williams. He very well could be the best defensive player in the entire draft and is a virtual lock to go in the top seven. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor is also a potential Round 1 selection.
Outside of the top two Trojan draft prospects, there are numerous players with the potential to be contributors as rookies. Two reside on the defensive side of the ball, while a third has the look of a future starting running back in the NFL.
This piece will highlight the USC draft hopefuls. Prior to the draft, we will analyze all of the prospects and their respective strengths as football players. Predictions on draft positioning will also be discussed.
Once the draft ends, we will update the slides, detailing each player and how he fits in with his future team.
DL Leonard Williams
1 of 7
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 6 to New York Jets
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 302 lbs
Analysis
The rich continue to get richer. Todd Bowles is a defensive-minded coach, and he lived up to his reputation with the selection of Leonard Williams. While it wasn't a "need" pick, Williams was the best player left on the board. His positional versatility allows the Jets to be even more creative up front.
With rumors of Muhammad Wilkerson potentially being dealt, this pick makes sense. The pairing of Williams and Sheldon Richardson up front will terrorize AFC East opponents for years to come.
Replacement
There are a host of Trojans hoping to replace Williams up front. Two who instantly come to mind are Claude Pelon and Delvon Simmons. While neither are the athletes that Williams is, both are big, physical types with the ability to be good players.
WR Nelson Agholor
2 of 7
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 20 to Philadelphia
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 198 lbs
Analysis
Chip Kelly sure likes Pac-12 players, doesn't he? All joking aside, Nelson Agholor fills a big need for the Eagles. He's a very versatile football player—an aspect Kelly will surely utilize in a myriad of ways. Agholor's special teams ability makes him a potentially dynamic option going forward. Not only will he be used in the slot, but Kelly will likely employ him on screens, jet sweeps, and reverses. In essence, he's the perfect replacement for the recently departed Jeremy Maclin.
Replacement
Look for sophomore JuJu Smith to assume the role as the Trojans' top receiver in 2015. Like Agholor, Smith can play both on the outside and as a slot receiver. Additional options include Steven Mitchell and Darreus Rogers.
DB Josh Shaw
3 of 7
Drafted: Round 4, Pick 120 to Cincinnati Bengals
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 201 lbs
Analysis
Josh Shaw's versatility will help his cause instantly with the Bengals. He can function at both corner and safety—and thus can be plugged in where he's needed more from a depth perspective. Shaw's style as a press-corner fits nicely with how Cincinnati's defensive scheme works. He'll also likely play on special teams right away.
Replacement
With Adoree' Jackson locking down one side of the field (no pun intended), the second corner spot is up for grabs. Kevon Seymour is the most experienced member returning, but he's been victimized by a lack of consistency throughout his career. Don't be surprised if elite incoming freshman Iman Marshall snags the vacant spot.
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RB Javorius "Buck" Allen
4 of 7
Drafted: Round 4, Pick 125 to Baltimore Ravens
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 221 lbs
Analysis
Javorius "Buck" Allen has a chance to be the steal of the fourth round. Due to Bernard Pierce's departure, Baltimore was in need of a backup back. With the Ravens' propensity to run the football—coupled with starter Justin Forsett's size and age—Allen should get plenty of touches as a rookie. He appears to be the future back down the line for Baltimore. Not only is this a good fit for Allen, but the Ravens did well here to select him in the fourth round.
Replacement
Of the current backs on the roster, Justin Davis is the top option to replace Allen. In limited time last year, Davis demonstrated considerable speed and athleticism to go along with a taller frame. Incoming freshman Ronald Jones II also will figure into the mix.
TE Randall Telfer
5 of 7
Drafted: Round 6, Pick 198 to Cleveland Browns
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 250 lbs
Analysis
It's a curious spot for Randall Telfer. The Browns have three tight ends on their current roster, and drafted a tight end earlier in the sixth round in Malcolm Johnson. Telfer's strengths as a player include having wonderful intangibles, and solid blocking ability. If Telfer's to make the team, he'll have to rely upon these two characteristics.
Replacement
Bryce Dixon (assuming he rejoins the team) and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick figure to shoulder the load at the tight end position for the Trojans. Dixon is built more like a bigger receiver, with impressive speed and quickness. Cope-Fitzpatrick is more in the mold of a traditional, bigger tight end. Both should complement each other quite well. Cope-Fitzpatrick is currently atop the post-spring depth chart.
LB Hayes Pullard
6 of 7
Drafted: Round 7, Pick 219 to Cleveland Browns
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 240 lbs
Analysis
Being a seventh-round pick, Hayes Pullard will have to prove himself first and foremost as a student of the game. The more prepared he can be mentally, the better chance he has of making the team. Pullard will likely be a core special teams player—should he stick on the final 53. His high character and leadership qualities will definitely help his cause—considering Cleveland has struggled recently in this capacity.
Replacement
It won't be easy to replace Pullard from both a playing and leadership perspective. Lamar Dawson and true freshman Cameron Smith will slug it out for time on the field. It will also be incumbent upon other veteran members of the team to pick up the leadership slack left once Pullard graduated.
LB J.R. Tavai
7 of 7
2015 Draft: Not Selected
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 249 lbs
Analysis
J.R. Tavai is making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. He'll have to prove he can move in space and cover smaller players. At USC, he primarily played as a rush end with his hand in the ground. Tavai has a great motor and plays with a ton of energy.
He'll likely have to start his career playing primarily on special teams. At his size, Tavai ultimately might have to make his living as a pass-rushing specialist.
Replacement
Scott Felix looks primed to take the next step in his development as a player. With Tavai battling various injuries a season ago, Felix filled in admirably. When compared to Tavai, Felix is more fluid and rangy as an athlete. He could help the Trojans become more flexible from a schematic standpoint when inserted into action.
Note: Draft projections come via Matt Miller's mock draft unless noted otherwise. Stats come courtesy of the official site of USC Trojan athletics.
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