The USC Trojans' key stars have not only raised their profiles in the college football landscape, but have also created higher NFL draft stock values. Jayden Maiava could be a prime NFL quarterback, and Jide Abasiri is looking more and more like a defensive tackle who could be added to an elite NFL defensive line.
Here's my USC Trojan NFL draft stock update following Week 1:
Jayden Maiava
Jayden Maiava is really raising his stock to start the season. His game as a passer has matured immensely. He can make every throw, and he has special arm talent. He is definitely a name to watch, at bare minimum, at the end of the first round. If he continues his play in the first 2 weeks, he has some upside to get in the early first-round conversation. I still see him as an end of the 1st-round
pick as things stand.
Waymond Jordan
Waymond Jordan has a lot of traits to love, and his abilities translate very well to the NFL. His production so far has not helped his case for being selected in the first 3 rounds. If he continues to get the workload he is getting and produce at the level he is, he will be taken in the 5th round at best.
Elijah Paige
Elijah Paige has first-round talent and size. He still needs to prove himself and to be healthy this season. He has played well in the first 2 games. I still see him as a day-2 guy.
Alex VanSumeren
VanSumeren's impact has been felt on the Trojans' defense, and he has been a great addition. he specializes in stopping the run and taking on double teams. He would be a great fit with a team like the Seattle Seahawks or the Philadelphia Eagles. If he lands with a premier organization, he will take off. Still, he remains a sleeper with a 7th-round projection.
Jide Abasiri
Jide Abasiri has put his name in the chat with his play in the first 2 games. He has been a big-time disruptor and has shown really valuable quickness at the defensive tackle position. NFL teams have to be salivating at what he has shown on tape early this season. If he continues this play, he could be a 2nd-round pick and maybe even taken in the 1st round. He is a game changer. Right now I see him as a 2nd-round draft pick.
Kam Crawford
Kam Crawford hasn't flashed on the tape. Crawford, however, has great size, and he can move. He will be looked at by NFL teams just off of those factors alone. I see him being selected in the 7th round. If he can get some really productive games, he can be a 5th-round draft pick.
Jontez Williams
Jontez Williams took a step forward in Game 2. He showed some ability to be a lockdown corner. He finished the last game with 3 tackles, and a great performance in coverage. The talent is there with Williams; he just has to start racking up interceptions to raise his stock. See him currently as a day 3 guy.
Christian Pierce
Christian Pierce did not elevate his draft stock much in Game 2. He only managed to get 2 tackles on the day against the Bulldogs. It will be tough sledding for Pierce if his lack of production continues. I still have him as a fringe 7th-round draft pick.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football NFL draft breakdown after Fresno State game
