One 2025 NFL Mock Draft is very high on USC QB Miller Moss

Yes, it is far too early to start obsessing over 2025 NFL mock drafts. However, USC Trojans fans should keep an eye on the draft stock of quarterback Miller Moss because early in 2024, he's opened some eyes and by the time next spring's draft rolls around, he could be a hot commodity.

While Moss has some work to do before becoming one of the top prospects in the nation, at least one reputable mock is already high on the junior who has started all of three games as a collegiate.

In his latest mock draft, which was released on Wednesday, CBSSports.com's Chris Trapasso projects Moss as the No. 3 overall player on the board. In Trapasso's mock, Moss lands with the New York Giants after edge rusher James Pierce Jr. of Tennessee and QB Cam Ward of Miami go with the first two picks.

By having Moss as the second quarterback taken in his mock, Trapasso puts Moss ahead of star prospects such as Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Texas' Quinn Ewers, and Georgia's Carson Beck. That's high praise for a QB with as few starts under his belt as Moss has.

On the other hand, Moss has impressed in his three college starts. He's averaging 326.3 yards passing per game thus far as a starter despite playing only half of last week's game against Utah State.

What's more, Moss has thrown eight touchdowns with only one interception. He's also completed over 70% of his pass attempts.

Moss is likely getting a boost from Trapasso because he's playing for and learning from head coach Lincoln Riley, who has a reputation for producing excellent NFL quarterbacks. Currently, four of Riley's former pupils, Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield, Arizona's Kyler Murray, Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts, and Chicago's Caleb Williams are starters in the NFL.

Could Moss be the next? And could that opportunity come as soon as the 2025 season? That remains to be seen.

Moss will have to continue to play at a high level this year to vault up the boards of NFL franchises. What's more, the 2025 NFL Draft class will be chalked full of quality quarterbacks.

Also, the prevalence of big-time N.I.L. deals is enticing more players than ever to put their NFL dreams on hold for a season or two as they make millions of dollars playing college football. Thus, even if Moss dominates for the remainder of this season, there's always the chance he could return to the Trojans next season.

The important takeaway from Trapasso's mock is that Moss has played so well in 2024 that he's starting to generate NFL buzz. If that continues throughout the year, the Trojans could go on a magical ride in 2024-25.