USC Football grows record for most NFL draft picks all-time

With five picks in the 2017 NFL Draft, USC football didn’t just maintain their record for the most draft picks of all-time — they doubled it.

Coming into the 2017 NFL Draft, USC football held a slightly tenuous lead at the lot of the NFL Draft records list, with the most overall and first round draft picks of all time.

After the conclusion of draft weekend, USC’s records remain very much intact.

On Thursday, the Trojans ensured that they would retain their lead with 80 first rounders after the selection of Adoree’ Jackson at No. 18 to the Tennessee Titans.

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Then on Saturday, they saw to it that the record for the most all-time picks would grow even further.

The Trojans claimed 496 draft picks heading into this year’s draft and added five to their tally — Jackson, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, offensive tackle Zach Banner, safety Leon McQuay III and defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.

That brought USC’s total up to 501.

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Meanwhile, rival Notre Dame, who was within three picks of the Trojans at 493, posted a quiet draft weekend.

Quarterback DeShone Kizer was taken in the second round, then the Irish faithful had a long wait before Isaac Rochell was snatched up in the seventh.

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That brought Notre Dame’s total up to 495.

USC started with a three-pick advantage and ended with six.

When next year’s draft rolls around, the Trojans ability to continue to grow their record could depend on how many early entrants they see head for the pros.

USC’s senior class is not particularly loaded with pro prospects, though linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, safety Chris Hawkins and offensive linemen Toa Lobendahn, Viane Talamaivao and Nico Falah could make their case as draft picks.

Underclassmen, however, stand out as potential top picks, including quarterback Sam Darnold, who is being tapped as a future No. 1 overall selection.

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Along with Darnold, the Trojans can expect to hear the names of cornerback Iman Marshall, linebacker Cameron Smith, defensive end Rasheem Green, outside linebacker Porter Gustin tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe and running back Ronald Jones II — called at the NFL Draft, either in 2018 or 2019.