The USC Trojans only put two players straight into the NFL last season, Austin Jackson and Michael Pittman, in what was one of the school’s lowest NFL outputs in recent memory.

That shouldn’t be an issue again in 2021, however, with the Trojans expected to see at least five players taken in the NFL draft – and as many as seven could be selected depending how individual players perform at the combine.

The group is led by offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, a versatile tackle who is expected to play guard at the next level and seems destined to get selected in the middle of the first round.

Defensive tackle Jay Tufele and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown could each sneak into round two, while key players like Marlon Tuipulotu, Talanoa Hufanga, Olaijah Griffin and Tyler Vaughns could all hear their name called before the end of the seventh round as well.

Here is a look at each NFL draft hopeful from USC and which teams could potentially show interest in these guys as we near the combine and the true start of the NFL offseason.

Offensive Lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker

Vera-Tucker’s ability to play guard or tackle at the next level will make him attractive to nearly every NFL team – and likely will lead to him getting taken in the first round.

Potential Fits: Arizona, San Francisco, Baltimore

Defensive Tackle Jay Tufele

It’s hard to say whether opting out of the 2020 season helped or hurt Jay Tufele’s draft stock – which will now be reliant on how he does at the combine. Regardless, he should get plenty of attention as a pass rushing interior defensive tackle prospect.

Potential Fits: Cleveland, Las Vegas, New York Giants

Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown

St. Brown has NFL bloodlines and comes from a program that has developed possession receivers extremely well at the next level. He should also be highly coveted by multiple NFL teams, and likely won’t slip past the first three rounds.

Potential Fits: New England, Tennessee, Denver

Defensive Tackle Marlon Tuipulotu

Tuipulotu declared for the NFL draft after a stellar year for the Trojans along the line in 2020.

Potential Fits: Cleveland, Tennessee, New York Giants

Safety Talanoa Hufanga

Hufanga was a beast for the USC secondary in 2020, and he’ll look to take his talents into the NFL in 2021.

Potential Fits: Denver, Las Vegas, New York Jets

Cornerback Olaijah Griffin

A surprise declaration for the NFL draft, Griffin should draw attention for his speed and playmaking ability, although he’s likely more of a late round pick.

Potential Fits: Arizona, Seattle, Green Bay

Wide Receiver Tyler Vaughns

Vaughns is one of the most prolific pass-catchers in USC history, and he should be a great target for teams in the final rounds of the NFL draft.

Potential Fits: Seattle, Pittsburgh, Detroit, New England