Finding a home for the rest of the USC Trojan NFL prospects

The draft comes ever closer with each passing day and the excitement to see where the top Trojan prospects will land increases as well. Unfortunately, not all of our favorite Trojans will hear their named called during the first couple of draft days, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be in the league or that they won’t make an impact once they find a home. Last time we looked at some of the higher ranked Trojan prospects, this time let’s take a look at some of the others.

Chad Wheeler

Position: OT

Position Rank: 11

Overall Rank: 208

Will he be drafted: 3^rd Day maybe.

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Best Fit: Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have had a vaunted offensive line for the last 3 seasons, paving the way for 2 of the last 3 holders of the rushing title. However, with Ronald Leary moving on in free agency and Doug Free retiring that stellar line has taken some hits. The cowboys have signed veteran Byron Bell to help cope but could use a little bit more. This where Chad fits in for me, now there is talk that Chad would have to move inside to either guard or center, but I believe he’ll make his mark as a utility linemen, filling in where he is needed. Now the Cowboys are best because they won’t need instant help for him, allowing him to get stronger to improve his overall ability, he could then be a great cheaper option as that line starts to become expensive.

Darreus Rogers

Position: WR

Position Rank: 56

Overall Rank: NR

Will he be drafted: doubtful

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Best Fit: New England Patriots. Darreus Rogers is by no means a deep threat but has incredible hands and a knack for positioning himself to seal off the defender when catching underneath routes. Now the Patriots receiving core is loaded with Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola. But, that is perfect for Rogers to come in and work on is route running and become a bigger underneath option, or outside possession receiver for Tom Brady. Also, no one loves bargain prices more than the patriots.

Leon McQuay III

Position: S

Position Rank: NR

Overall Rank: NR

Will he be drafted: Doubtful

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Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks. The Legion of Boom is getting up there in age, and the Seahawks are looking for younger, cheaper options to groom for the future. I think McQuay can fit here fairly well. McQuay III is a big fast safety with pretty solid ball skills. Although he struggles to tackle in space, which is a concern with your safeties, being able to learn and train with guys like Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and if he’s still around, Richard Sherman, will help fill out his weaknesses. I also feel the zone that Seattle has become known for will also help McQuay when it comes to tracking assignments allowing him to use his athleticism to make plays.

Taylor McNamara

Position: TE

Position Rank: 28

Overall Rank: NR

Will he be drafted: Possibly late

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Best Fit: Los Angeles Rams. The rams found a Diamond in the rough last year with Tyler Higbee and Taylor McNamara is just as good. Taylor definitely needs to get stronger, so he can be effective as an in-line blocker, but already has the skills to be a receiver over the middle and down the seams. Also, let’s face it, Jared Goff could use all the help he can as he enters his sophomore campaign, and a TE is a good security blanket for a young QB.

De’Quan Hampton

Position: WR

Position Rank: NR

Overall Rank: NR

Will he be drafted: Doubtful

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Best Fit: Tennessee Titans. I know, I know, here I go with the homer picks again, but De’Quan Hampton is an intriguing prospect. He has good size at 6’3 225lbs and tested extremely well at the USC Pro Day. Now the Titans have a serious need at WR, which I expect them to address with one of their two first-round picks. The Titans need a burner to take the top off the Defense so I’m expecting them to look for John Ross in the mid to late area of the first round. Hampton, on the flipside, would be a great late round pick, who fits Titan’s GM Jon Robinson’s philosophy in drafting big and athletic. Also, a big target who can go up and make catches will be helpful as Marcus Mariota enters his 3rd year, since when he misses, he tends to miss high.

Only a few more weeks until we see how everything pans out for these Trojans in the draft and the days after. I’m sure they’re just excited to see where they land as I am, and here’s hoping your favorite Pro team ends up with some quality Trojans.

Until next time.

Fight On.