NFL
By: Brock Vierra
After a disappointing 2023 season for the USC Trojans, all eyes are on 2024 as Lincoln Riley and a newly built staff look to guide their team through their inaugural season in the Big 10. If the conference challenge wasn’t hard enough, USC begins its season in Las Vegas, facing off in a marquee matchup against LSU. For the Trojans that are departing for the NFL, we look at their projected selection, including some insight on Heisman winner Caleb Williams’ draft evaluation.
Let’s talk USC
Vierra: Hello Donovan, thank you for joining us again. Is there any update on Caleb Williams’ draft evaluation and what are your thoughts on the Heisman winner in the NFL?
James: I’ve remained the same from talking to people in the media and football industry with my take on Caleb Williams. Still my QB1 and overall no.1 player [in the NFL Draft]. My comp is Deshaun Watson (Texans).
Vierra: How many players will get drafted from USC in the 2024 NFL Draft?
James: I think Caleb Williams, Marshawn Lloyd, Tahj Washington, Brenden Rice, Calen Bullock and Solomon Byrd so six.
Vierra: Jayden Maiava makes the move from UNLV to USC. Is he a potential starter or just an expensive backup?
James: Expensive back up until 2025 then he competes will Julian Lewis.
Vierra: How will the loss of Kliff Kingsbury affect the Trojans?
James: I don’t think it will at all. Lincoln Riley will be fine on offense.
Vierra: Is Austin Jones due for a 1000 yard season?
James: I think he won’t hit 1K but maybe 700-800 yards.
I’d like to thank Donovan for his time and insight. You can read all of Donovan’s work at Trojans Wire. As USC enters 2024, they do so with former UCLA DC D’Anton Lynn as their new defensive mastermind as former North Dakota State head coach and two time FCS National Champion Matt Entz leaves the Bison to join USC as their associate head coach/ linebackers coach.
For more conversations, watch The Hot Seat below.
