USC Football 2016 NFL Draft Tracker, Analysis and Results

With linebacker Su'a Cravens headlining the class, the USC Trojans are expected to have upwards of half a dozen prospects selected in this year's NFL draft.

This piece will track the Trojans who are selected on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as how they fit into the NFL and their newfound teams.

Who will replace each drafted Trojan in LA will also be analyzed. 

Stay plugged in for continued updates as each Trojan is selected.

Note: All draft projections are based on Matt Miller's NFL Draft 400 series unless otherwise noted. 

Su'a Cravens, OLB

Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press

Drafted: Second Round, 22nd pick, Washington Redskins

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 226 lbs

Analysis

A pass-coverage-first outside linebacker, Su'a Cravens provides a unique skill set for NFL teams looking for quality coverage on underneath routes. Cravens spent nearly the first half of his career in the secondary before lining up at linebacker.

His hybrid nature makes him hard to peg as to what position he'll play in the NFL, and that could depend on which team selects him. He's not the most adept at working through a pile, but his intellect and drive are among the top attributes that make him a first-round prospect.

The Redskins added Josh Norman in free agency, so that likely means Cravens may be asked to focus more on linebacker than a secondary role. Ultimately, Cravens' versatility makes him a valuable second-round pickup for Washington. 

Replacement

Per ESPN's Kyle Bonagura, USC will employ a 5-2 base next year, essentially washing out the role that Cravens filled with the Trojans. Nonetheless, the Trojans have plenty of options when it comes to replacing Cravens, as impossible as that may be. Rising sophomores Porter Gustin and Osa Masina showed flashes a season ago, and either could be put in that role.

Max Tuerk, C

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Drafted: Third round, third pick, San Diego Chargers

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 298 lbs

Analysis

Over 33 starts at USC, per B/R's Matt Miller, Max Tuerk lined up at four different places along the Trojans' offensive line. That makes him one of the most versatile line prospects in the draft. But in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world of football, Tuerk's senior season drew the most scoffs and ended with an injury. His strength is a liability, but his composure and toughness complement that pitfall.

The Chargers ended up selecting Tuerk with the third pick in the third round. San Diego has just two centers on roster, with the starter currently listed as Chris Watt. The Chargers ranked 31st in rush offense last year, so perhaps Tuerk can provide some spark up the middle. 

Replacement

Toa Lobendahn, who was injured during spring workouts, replaced Tuerk at center last year when the senior went down with a knee injury and is expected to return to that role. The Trojans' offensive line struggled a season ago, so leadership from Lobendahn will be a must for USC.

Cody Kessler, QB

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

Drafted: Third round, 30th pick, Cleveland Browns

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 220 lbs

Analysis

A consummate presence at USC for three years, Kessler racked up over 10,000 passing yards as the Trojans' gunslinger. USC has tremendous heritage under center, and that will certainly play in Kessler's favor. Behind a less-than-steller offensive line last year, Kessler often found himself under duress and unable to display his ability to make more routine decisions.

His size and arm strength don't blow the door off its hinges, but Kessler is poised and smart. Quarterbacks are notoriously hard to gauge in the draft, and they are also among the most evolving positions in all of sports. Kessler will likely get a shot, but late-round quarterbacks seldom anchor themselves in the league.

While Cleveland isn't the hottest destination for any quarterback, Kessler essentially gets one of the most crowded, discombobulated quarterback depth charts. If he's meant to be an NFL star, the Browns might actually be a decent place for him to get a jump-start.  

Replacement

Redshirt junior Max Browne is the pegged favorite to take over for Kessler, but Clay Helton won't name a starter till the fall, per the Orange County Register.

Fellow redshirt freshman Sam Darnold is nipping at Browne's heels for the gig. Both looked impressive in the spring, and the battle likely won't take shape until closer to Week 1.

Kevon Seymour, CB

L.G. Patterson/Associated Press

Drafted: Sixth round, 43rd pick, Buffalo Bills

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 186 lbs

Analysis

Kevon Seymour's motor makes him a potential steal in the late rounds. He racked up 19 tackles on special teams alone in his career at USC, and valuable coverage players on kickoffs and punts are a lost art to the casual fan.

Seymour is a solid corner, but his stats tell a twisted tale. He had just three picks at USC and didn't defend a pass last year. Is that because he wasn't being targeted or because he dropped off as his role increased? That's for the scouts to decide.

Seymour was picked up late in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills, a team that didn't excel in the secondary — the Bills ranked 19th in pass defense — but has a slew of options at cornerback. Many sixth round picks battle for roster spots in training camps, and it looks as though Seymour fits that narrative. 

Replacement

Seymour was the only senior in last year's secondary at USC, and defensive backs coordinator Keith Heyward was eventually fired as USC struggled to defend the pass, per Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News. Adoree Jackson and Iman Marshall will likely anchor the corner slots next year for the Trojans.

Tre Madden, RB

Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

UNDRAFTED

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 228 lbs

Analysis

Lingering injuries have been Madden's biggest setback in his pursuit of living the Sunday dream. He missed the NFL Scouting Combine, but he was able to register a 4.60 40-yard dash at USC's pro day. Madden is a quality pass blocker who runs downhill with power, so toughness or mentality isn't an issue. But durability could be enough to scare teams away from burning a draft pick on Madden.

Replacement

Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis, both a pair of 900-yard rushers a season ago, will return as one of the Pac-12's most feared two-headed monsters. Madden's role last year at USC was limited due to injuries, and Davis and Jones II shined in his absence. Madden's departure might be felt in the locker room, but statistically will be insignificant.