Trojans in NFL Training Camps

From Wednesday's ESPN.com article,

Washington Redskins: LB Dallas Sartz (strained hamstring) was sidelined morning Wednesday...

Seattle Seahawks: Backup fullback David Kirtman broke his hand during practice Wednesday morning...Kirtman, a fifth-round draft choice from 2006 out of Southern California, was participating in a running plays drill with backs and linemen when he suddenly walked off the field with a trainer while holding his right arm. By the afternoon, Kirtman was wearing a soft brace over his right hand and wrist. A Seahawks spokesman said Wednesday night that the team has yet to determine a treatment course for Kirtman, so there is no estimate on how long he will be out. Kirtman spent most of last season on the practice squad before being added to the active roster in December...Mack Strong, Seattle's two-time Pro Bowl fullback who turns 36 in September, said Wednesday that coaches have told him he will be yielding some of his playing time to younger players this season.

And from last Saturday's LA Times regarding the Carolina Panthers:

The Carolina Panthers signed second-round pick Dwayne Jarrett to a four-year, $3.825 million contract...Jarrett, a receiver from USC, will receive $1.935 million in guaranteed bonuses and incentives, making the deal one of the largest in guaranteed money for a second-round pick. Jarrett, the 45th pick in the draft, is expected to contend for the starting receiver job vacated when Keyshawn Johnson was released in the off-season.

"He's excited to be a Carolina Panther and looking forward to the opportunity to start opposite Steve Smith," Jarrett's agent, Darin Morgan, said.

Jarrett's signing came hours after fellow second-round pick Ryan Kalil agreed to a four-year deal. Kalil, also from USC, is expected to compete for a starting job on the offensive line.

An injury for Sartz, what else is new? Tough luck for Kirtman though, he was a very soild (and underrated) player at 'SC. Let's hope he can get back out there healthy. Best wishes to DJ and Ryan Kalil, they have a damn good chance to start next year.

Good luck in the NFL guys.

Fight On!

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!