USC players excel at NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is in the books and the seven USC participants left a lasting impression in Indianapolis.

Standout defensive end Leonard Williams projects as a top-five pick in the NFL Draft on April 30 and appears to be one of the most NFL-ready players in this year’s class. Williams clocked a 4.97 40-yard dash time, while also finishing the three-cone drill in 7.59 seconds and the 20-yard shuttle in 4.53 seconds. He also added a 29.5-inch vertical jump as well as a 106.0-inch broad jump to his Combine performance.

Williams’ performance at the Combine might not have been off the charts, but he is a playmaker who lives in opponents’ backfields. He should be an impact player right off the bat in the NFL, and his game tape alone should be enough for scouts and general managers to consider him a top-five talent in the upcoming draft.

On Saturday, wide receiver Nelson Agholor dislocated the middle finger on his left hand, which cut off his day short. He injured his finger while running a slant during receiving drills. Prior to his injury, however, Agholor recorded an impressive 4.42 40-yard dash time in addition to cranking out 12 reps on the bench press.

That 40 time was equaled by the likes of Alabama’s Amari Cooper and Ohio State’s Devin Smith, two prolific receivers who figure to be taken early on in the draft. Like Williams, Agholor is another guy whose game film speaks for itself.

Agholor hauled in 104 balls for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Trojans in 2014, and he showed his precise route running and strong hands in the process. Agholor has been considered a top-15 wideout in this year’s wide receiver class. That should not change come draft day.

USC redshirt junior running back Javorius “Buck” Allen also turned in an impressive showing at the Combine. At 6 feet and 221 pounds, Allen is a big back, but he does not trade off any acceleration or burst just because he packs power. He finished his day with a 4.53 40 time, in addition to a 4.28 20-yard shuttle. Allen’s performance in the three-cone drill stood out, as he finished sixth among all running backs. Allen should be on the radar of any team looking to bolster its ground game. He is a physical runner who does not shy away from contact, and he can contribute in the passing game.

Hayes Pullard was productive at linebacker for the Trojans and, like Williams, proved to be a fantastic leader of the defense. Pullard ran the 40 in 4.78 seconds, the same time as Miami star linebacker Denzel Perryman. Pullard finished with 19 reps on the bench, while also logging a 31-inch vertical jump and a 110-inch broad jump. Though his Combine numbers are not record-breaking, his instincts, patience and coverage skills are all invaluable at the next level. Pullard is a tremendous leader who could be a steal for whoever drafts him.

Tight end Randall Telfer, linebacker J.R. Tavai and cornerback Josh Shaw also made the trip to Indy to show their stuff to the gurus at the NFL Combine. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Telfer has the size to be an NFL tight end. Telfer’s 20 reps on the bench press undoubtedly turned some heads. Tavai also managed 20 reps on the bench. He added a 4.91 40-yard dash time, while he jumped 30.5 inches and 112.0 inches on the vertical jump and broad jump, respectively.

Meanwhile, Shaw finished with the top cornerback performance on the bench with 26 reps. While some pundits discredit the “workout warrior” crown, this good showing on the bench could do wonders for Shaw. He only played in three games this season after off-the-field issues warranted a lengthy suspension, but that whole debacle is in the rearview mirror now.

Shaw could be a solid Cover 2 corner at the next level, and at 6 feet and 201 pounds, he has the size to even play some free safety depending on where he ends up.

The weekend was a success for USC players. These players still have a ways to go before the NFL Draft, but the seven Trojans showed well in Indianapolis and managed to help their draft stock.