USC 2022 NFL Draft Recap
Another year, another crop of Trojans off to the NFL. Three USC players were selected in the 2022 NFL Draft over the weekend. And five more signed with teams as undrafted free agents.
As expected, star wide receiver Drake London was the first Trojan to come off the board, going eighth overall to the Atlanta Falcons. This past season, London was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year after recording 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 7.5 games. London was on track to run away with the Biletnikoff Award before fracturing his ankle during a late October game against Arizona, ending his season.
London leaves USC with 160 receptions for 2,153 yards and 15 touchdowns over three seasons. He joins a rebuilding Falcons team that traded away longtime franchise quarterback Matt Ryan earlier this offseason. London figures to be a key part of Atlanta’s offense going forward, alongside Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts.
Jackson to the 49ers
The next USC player taken was edge rusher Drake Jackson, who was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round with the 61st overall pick. In three seasons at USC, Jackson recorded 103 tackles—including 57 solo tackles—12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Jackson will reunite with former USC teammate and current San Francisco safety Talanoa Hufanga on a talented 49ers defense.
Ingram to the Cardinals
The final Trojan to be picked in this year’s draft was running back Keaontay Ingram, who was taken with the 201st pick in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals. After transferring to USC from Texas, Ingram racked up 911 yards and five touchdowns on 156 carries in his lone season with the Trojans. Ingram joins an explosive Cardinals offense led by quarterback Kyler Murray and newly-acquired wide receiver Marquise Brown, both of whom played for current USC head coach Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma.
USC’s Free Agent Signings
In addition, several other USC players signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. Cornerbacks Chris Steele and Isaac-Taylor Stuart inked deals with the Steelers and Cowboys, respectively. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao signed with the Raiders. Linebacker Kana’i Mauga landed with the Broncos. And tight end Erik Krommenhoek received a deal from the Chargers.
Offensive tackle Jalen McKenzie will reportedly sign with the Titans. To this point, defensive back Greg Johnson, and running back Vavae Malepeai have yet to sign with NFL teams.
Former Trojans Selected
Finally, two former Trojans who later transferred to other college programs heard their names called as well. Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. played at USC from 2016 to 2019 before transferring to Tennessee. He went off the board as the 71st pick in the third round by the Chicago Bears. And cornerback Jack Jones played for the Trojans in 2016 and 2017. Dismissed from the USC program, Jones landed at a junior college, then at Arizona State. The New England Patriots selected in the fourth round with the 121st overall pick.
