USC Football Retains Lead With Most First Round Picks In NFL Draft History

Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft ended with USC football still in possession of the all-time record for first round picks in draft history.

Ohio State continues to push at USC football’s record for the most first rounders in NFL Draft history, but the Trojans retained their title for at least one more year after Day 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft.

USC claimed 79 first round draft picks going into this year’s draft while Ohio State listed 74.

The first round tallies show the Trojans maintain an advantage, though the gap continues to shrink.

Ohio State saw three players –cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley, as well as safety Malik Hooker– selected in the first round.

The Trojans featured just one pick in Round 1, but Adoree’ Jackson’s selection by the Tennessee Titans at No. 18 was enough to boost USC up to 80 all-time first rounders, besting the Buckeyes’ 77.

On a night when Ohio State had two cornerbacks drafted in the first round, Jackson became the first ever true cornerback out of USC to earn a first round pick.

Last year Ohio State made up huge ground with five first round picks compared with USC’s zero, as linebacker Su’a Cravens sat on the outside looking in on Day 1. For reference, the Trojans have managed five total first round additions since 2012.

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Still, USC’s historical draft dominance has provided a steep mountain to climb for other programs looking to challenge for the crown.

The 2018 NFL Draft should only continue the first round rivalry between the Trojans and Buckeyes with Sam Darnold standing as a potential No. 1 overall pick while Ohio State defensive ends Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis are projected as a first round talents.

USC linebacker Cameron Smith and running back Ronald Jones II could also be in contention for a first round slot.

The 2017 NFL Draft continues on Friday and Saturday, when USC’s record for total draft picks should be decided.

The Trojans entered draft weekend with 496 selections, ahead of Notre Dame’s 493. Chances are USC will hold onto that record as well.