USC quarterbacks have a long and storied history of success in the NFL. From Matt Leinart to Sam Darnold, Trojans signal-callers have left an indelible mark on the league. In this article, we will delve into the history of USC QBs drafted in the NFL, examining their impact on the game and speculating on the future of this proud tradition.
Since 2000, 12 USC quarterbacks have been selected in the NFL Draft, including three first-round picks. These QBs have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL, winning Super Bowls, making Pro Bowls, and leaving a lasting legacy on the game.
USC QBs Drafted in the NFL
The University of Southern California (USC) has a rich history of producing talented quarterbacks who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. Since 2000, a total of 10 USC QBs have been drafted into the NFL.
| Player Name | Draft Year | Round | Overall Pick | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Leinart | 2006 | 1 | 10 | Arizona Cardinals |
| Carson Palmer | 2003 | 1 | 1 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Sam Darnold | 2018 | 1 | 3 | New York Jets |
| Mark Sanchez | 2009 | 1 | 5 | New York Jets |
| John David Booty | 2008 | 5 | 161 | Minnesota Vikings |
| Matt Cassel | 2005 | 7 | 230 | New England Patriots |
| Cody Kessler | 2016 | 3 | 93 | Cleveland Browns |
| Max Wittek | 2014 | 4 | 137 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Ricky Town | 2007 | 7 | 223 | Carolina Panthers |
| Blaine Gabbert | 2011 | 1 | 10 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
Notable USC QBs Drafted
Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart is widely considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in USC history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and led the Trojans to a national championship in 2004. Leinart was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
He played for the Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills during his NFL career.
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is another USC quarterback who has had a successful NFL career. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Palmer played for the Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals during his NFL career.
He was named to the Pro Bowl three times and led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015.
Sam Darnold, Usc qbs drafted
Sam Darnold is the most recent USC quarterback to be drafted into the NFL. He was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold has shown promise in his young NFL career, but he has also struggled with injuries.
He is still considered to be a talented quarterback with the potential to be a star in the NFL.
Trends in USC QB Drafting: Usc Qbs Drafted
There have been several trends in USC QB drafting over the years. One trend is that the number of USC QBs drafted per year has fluctuated. In some years, multiple USC QBs have been drafted, while in other years, no USC QBs have been drafted.
Another trend is that USC QBs are typically drafted in the first or second round of the NFL Draft. However, there have been a few exceptions to this rule, such as Matt Leinart, who was drafted in the first round in 2006, and Blaine Gabbert, who was drafted in the first round in 2011.
Finally, there are a few teams that have drafted multiple USC QBs. The New York Jets have drafted three USC QBs (Mark Sanchez, Sam Darnold, and Matt Leinart), while the Arizona Cardinals have drafted two USC QBs (Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer).
Impact of USC QBs on the NFL
USC QBs have had a significant impact on the NFL. They have won multiple Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, and other awards. USC QBs have also been leaders on and off the field. They have been role models for young people and have helped to promote the game of football.
Some of the factors that have contributed to the success of USC QBs in the NFL include their talent, work ethic, and coaching. USC has a long history of producing talented quarterbacks, and the Trojans have a strong tradition of winning.
USC quarterbacks are also known for their work ethic, and they are often willing to put in the extra work to improve their game. Finally, USC quarterbacks have benefited from the coaching of some of the best coaches in the game, including Pete Carroll and John McKay.
Future of USC QB Drafting
The future of USC QB drafting is bright. The Trojans have a number of talented quarterbacks on their roster, and they are expected to continue to produce NFL-caliber quarterbacks in the years to come. Some of the USC quarterbacks who could be drafted into the NFL in the coming years include Caleb Williams, Miller Moss, and Jake Garcia.
There are a number of factors that could impact the number and success of USC QBs drafted in the future. One factor is the continued success of the USC football program. If USC continues to win games and compete for championships, it will be more likely to produce NFL-caliber quarterbacks.
Another factor is the development of the USC quarterbacks. If the USC quarterbacks continue to improve their game, they will be more likely to be drafted into the NFL. Finally, the NFL draft is a crapshoot, and there is no guarantee that any quarterback will be successful in the NFL.
However, USC has a good track record of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks, and the Trojans are expected to continue to do so in the future.
Last Point
The future of USC QB drafting looks bright. With a strong pipeline of talent coming through the program, the Trojans are poised to continue producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks for years to come. These QBs will undoubtedly add to the legacy of excellence that USC quarterbacks have established in the NFL.
