USC could have only one player taken in the first round of this week’s NFL draft, according to the latest mock from ESPN.com’s Scouts Inc.

The ceiling is three. The floor is zero. No Trojan is expected to be among the top 20 picks.

A first round devoid of USC players would be rare. From 2003-09 — the drafts following the Trojans’ seven consecutive Pac-10 championships under Pete Carroll — at least two USC players went in the first round five times. The 2008 and ‘09 drafts featured seven Trojans in the first round.

I keep hearing the “bust” label attached to possible first-rounders Taylor Mays and Everson Griffen, and there are toughness and durability concerns dogging Charles Brown.

So don’t be shocked if Day 1 — which includes only the first round now — is USC-free. But expect a ton of Trojans to go off the board on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3), including late-rising cornerback Kevin Thomas.

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NFL draft: Only one Trojan in the first round? is a post from: USC