Recap of Trojans in the NFL Draft

After two days and 255 picks, the 2007 NFL Draft is in the books. This year's draft saw 5 Trojans selected, including three on Day 1, but none of them heard their name called in the 1st Round. This marks the first time since 2002 that a USC player is not selected in the 1st Round. Below is an overview of where our Trojans were selected...I'll post a picture of each player's introduction at his team's headquarters, if and when they become available...

WR Dwayne Jarrett -- Carolina Panthers, 2nd Rd / Pick #13 (#45 overall)

Of the 5 Trojans drafted, WR Dwayne Jarrett had to have been the most disappointed. Many considered him a 1st Round lock after his impressive performance in the Rose Bowl win over Michigan, where he dominated the All-American cornerback Leon Hall (who was drafted 18th overall). However, a slow 40 time and a perceived laziness raised question marks about Jarrett's work ethic. His stock plummeted from being the 2nd best WR (after Calvin Johnson) to a borderline 1st Round pick. Jarrett waited through the entire 1st Round and watched 7 WRs get drafted ahead of him, until finally hearing his name called as the 13th selection of the 2nd Round. This is a good fit for DJ though. He will learn the ropes from former Trojan greats Keyshawn Johnson and Keary Colbert, and should eventually succeed Keyshawn at WR.

WR Steve Smith -- New York Giants, 2nd Rd / Pick #19 (#51 overall)
Smith goes into a good situation with the Giants. He can compete for the #3 or possibly the #2 WR position (behind Plaxico Burress) and eventually replace the aging Amani Toomer.

C Ryan Kalil -- Carolina Panthers, 2nd Rd / Pick #27 (#59 overall)
Kalil will join DJ, as well as former teammate Keary Colbert in Carolina. Kalil has first round talent and can be considered a steal for the Panthers at pick #59 overall. Kalil should compete for a starting job, and will be at worst, a valuable back up next season.

LB Dallas Sartz -- Washington Redskins, 5th Rd / Pick #6 (#143 overall)
Sartz has a chance to make the team if he can contribute on special teams. He's a smart player, and was a captain on a great Trojan defense.

LB Oscar Lua -- New England Patriots, 7th Rd / Pick #1 (#211 overall)
Lua is a great fit for the Patriots, who employ 2 inside LBs in their 3-4 scheme. He has a chance to learn from two of the smartest, most instinctive LBs in the game, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel, and then eventually replace one of them.

** On a personal side note: Kicker Justin Medlock (5th Rd) was the only fucla player chosen in the entire draft. That's pathetic!

Fight On!