Get insights into the draft prospects of USC’s offensive players for the 2024 NFL Draft. Discover the strengths and areas of improvement for quarterback Caleb Williams, running back MarShawn Lloyd, wide receivers Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington, and offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston.

Caleb Williams: USC’s Top Draft Prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft

USC quarterback Caleb Williams has emerged as the top draft prospect at his position for the 2024 NFL Draft. With a grade of 6.76, he is projected to be a Year 1 starter in the NFL, ranking him third overall among all draft prospects.

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In the 2023 season, Williams showcased his ability to keep his team in games with high-end production. He completed 68.6% of his passes for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions in 12 games. He also displayed his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for 142 yards and 11 touchdowns.

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Williams excels in his rapid-fire transition from fake to throw on run-pass options (RPOs). His twitchy release generates heat on drive throws, challenging safeties. He has shown improvement in getting air under deep throws and has an impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 46:1 in the red zone since 2022.

However, Williams can still improve in areas such as decision-making and deep-ball accuracy. He occasionally plays hero-ball, leading to indecisiveness, and tends to throw on the move unnecessarily. Williams also passes up easy scramble yardage for more challenging throws.

MarShawn Lloyd: Potential Starter at Running Back

Running back MarShawn Lloyd received a grade of 6.18, indicating his potential to develop into a starter. In the 2023 season, he carried the ball 116 times for 820 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games. Lloyd also contributed as a pass-catcher with 13 receptions for 232 yards.

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Lloyd’s strengths include improved tempo and the ability to set up blocks. He combines NFL-caliber burst with adequate contact pop, making sudden lateral cuts. He possesses natural timing in making upfield cuts and excels in physicality as a pass-catching option.

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However, Lloyd’s vision can be average at times, missing opportunities for big runs. His running style was less instinctive and urgent at USC compared to his time at South Carolina. Ball security could also be a concern, and he has dealt with injuries in the past.

Brenden Rice: A Promising Wide Receiver for USC

Wide receiver Brenden Rice received a grade of 6.10, indicating his potential to develop into a starter. In the 2023 season, he caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games.

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Rice is known for his ability to make touchdown catches, averaging a score every 5.2 catches throughout his career. He works aggressively back to the throw, sets up corners on short slants, and excels in physicality at the top of the route.

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However, Rice struggles with foot quickness against tight press coverage and positioning himself for contested catches. He needs to consistently play as fast as he will test and can have trouble gaining separation underneath.

Tahj Washington: Average Backup with Versatility

Wide receiver Tahj Washington received a grade of 5.91, indicating he is considered an average backup or special-teamer. In the 2023 season, he had 59 catches for 1,062 yards and 8 touchdowns in 13 games.

Washington’s strengths include maintaining a high level of production over the last four years and his tremendous toughness. He has the ability to make contested catches underneath and contributes as a run blocker. Washington has also shown talent as a punt and kick returner.

However, Washington has limitations due to his short arms and small hands, affecting his catch radius. His average quickness affects his ability to get in and out of breaks, and he struggles to create separation out of break points.

Jarrett Kingston: An Offensive Lineman with Potential

Offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston received a grade of 5.69, indicating he is a candidate for the bottom of a roster or practice squad. In the 2023 season, he had a 77.7 pass-blocking rating and a 64.0 run-blocking rating, allowing 17 pressures and four sacks.

Kingston’s strengths include his ability to protect with excellent posture and punch-ready hands. His pass slides are quick and measured, and he shows strain in every run rep. He also has the athleticism to make outside-zone blocks on the first and second level.

However, Kingston struggles against two-gapping tackles and long-armed rushers due to his build and short arms. He lacks change-of-direction range and can be overpowered on downfield throws.