USC Football: Trojans All-Time NFL Defensive Unit

The USC Trojans football team has a proud tradition of stocking the NFL with top-tier football talent. In fact, USC has had more players drafted by the NFL than any other college.

While the offense, boasting six official former Heisman Trophy winners, may receive more credit, the Trojans have produced an equally impressive number of NFL defensive standouts.

Here is a look at the USC defensive players with the most pro success.

Defensive End: Willie McGinest

Willie McGinest became a New England Patriots legend after being drafted in the first round in 1994.

In 12 seasons with New England, he made two Pro Bowls. More importantly, he helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls in the first half of the 2000s, setting a record for most postseason sacks with 16. He also played three years with the Cleveland Browns before hanging up his cleats in 2008.

In total, he compiled 86 sacks.

Defensive Tackle: Mike Patterson

After being a part of two USC national championships, Mike Patterson was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

In seven years with Philadelphia, Patterson has been a consistent and reliable performer. The Eagles have rewarded him, signing him through the 2016 NFL season.

Defensive Tackle: Darrell Russell

Darrell Russell was one of the most talented players on the list and undoubtedly had the most tragic story.

Russell was selected second in the 1997 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders and initially lived up to expectations, making two Pro Bowls. Unfortunately, drugs derailed a brilliant career. He ended up violating the NFL's drug policy seven times before his playing career was over.

He died in a car accident in 2005 at the tender age of 29.

Defensive End: Red Badgro

Red Badgro might not be a household name, but he is one of the three players on this list enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Badgro made four All-Pro teams in the early 1930s as a member of the New York Giants.

After a long wait, he was elected to Canton in 1981.

Outside Linebacker: Junior Seau

Junior Seau had a 20-year career that will surely result in a bust in Canton.

Seau had most of his success with the San Diego Chargers, who drafted him in the first round in 1990. In 13 years with the Chargers, he made 12 Pro Bowls and 10 All-Pro teams. In addition, he made the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

By the time he retired in 2009, he had amassed over 1,800 tackles.

Outside Linebacker: Clay Matthews III

Clay Matthews Jr. was a fantastic player, but his son projects to be even better.

Clay Matthews III went from a walk-on at USC to a first-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2009. Two year later, he helped lead them to a Super Bowl title. Matthews has made the Pro Bowl in each of the first two years.

He promises to make several more trips to Honolulu before all is said and done.

Middle Linebacker: Lofa Tatupu

Lofa Tatupu peaked too early, but he's done enough to make this list.

After the Seattle Seahawks drafted him in the 2005 NFL draft, Tatupu made an immediate impact. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons.

However, he hasn't been the same since a 2009 injury. He's currently without a gig for the 2011 season.

Cornerback: Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott may be better known as a safety, but he did play cornerback his first four years in the NFL. In addition, putting him at cornerback enables the all-time team to have as much secondary talent as possible.

Lott is the best NFL player to come from USC and one of the best football players ever. The 10-time Pro Bowler made the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade teams and was enshrined in Canton the first year he was eligible. He was also one of only five players to be part of all of the 49ers' Super Bowl wins in the 1980s.

Strong Safety: Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu is on a path straight to Canton.

Polamalu has been one of the NFL's best defensive players since the Pittsburgh Steelers scooped him up in the 2003 draft. Few players in history have mixed explosive playmaking and bone-crushing hits like he does.

Polamalu has already made six Pro Bowls and won the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year award, not to mention his two Super Bowl rings.

Free Safety: Willie Wood

Willie Wood was not drafted as a quarterback out of USC, but he became legendary when converted to free safety.

Wood made eight Pro Bowls and was a member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. He helped Green Bay to five world championships, including the first two Super Bowls.

Wood was given his rightful spot in Canton in 1989.

Cornerback: Jason Sehorn

Jason Sehorn is clearly the weak point of this secondary, but he was a fine player in his own right.

Sehorn joined the New York Giants in 1994 and became a starter two years later. He had two great seasons under his belt before a devastating injury in 1998. He was never the same player, but he was still productive.