USC's 2008 Draft Dominance: A First-Round Barrage

The USC Trojans were an NFL draft powerhouse, particularly during the mid-1960s to mid-1980s. Following a downturn in the 1990s, the program experienced a resurgence under coach Pete Carroll in the early 2000s. This era of success was underscored by the 2008 NFL draft, where USC dominated the first round. Sedrick Ellis was the first Trojan off the board, selected seventh overall by the New Orleans Saints. He was followed by Keith Rivers, who went ninth to the Cincinnati Bengals, marking two top-10 selections for USC. Offensive lineman Sam Baker was chosen 21st by the Atlanta Falcons, standing out as the sole offensive player among the four first-round picks. The defensive talent continued with Lawrence Jackson, an end taken 28th overall by the Seattle Seahawks, shortly before Pete Carroll himself joined the team. These selections reflected the physical dominance and consistent success of Carroll's USC teams, which regularly secured conference championships and Rose Bowl victories. The program's ability to produce multiple first-round NFL talent is seen as a benchmark for its return to national prominence.