The NFL announced the invitees to their Scouting Combine that will kick off at the end of February. USC football has five former offensive players who will put their skills on display for all 32 NFL teams in the run-up to the 2024 NFL draft, April 25-27.
LAFB Network will be on site for the NFL Combine.
USC Football’s 5 Offensive Players Invited to the NFL Combine
Caleb Williams, Quarterback
Will he be the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft? That is the last question we have to answer before Caleb Williams becomes a professional football player. This means every move will be scrutinized. Quarterbacks at the combine not only run drills but also show off their arms while wide receivers and tight ends run routes. So it won’t come down to an elite 40 time, but also building a quick rapport with pass catchers Williams has never met.
If there is a knock on Williams, it has been questions about his maturity and arrogance. If there is even an inkling of this it could result in a drop from one to two.
Quarterbacks will start drills on Wednesday, March 2nd at 10 am PST. Media availability runs from 5 am to 7 am PST.
MarShawn Lloyd, Running Back
In his first season with USC football, Marshawn Lloyd rushed for 816 yards at a clip of 7.1 yards per carry which was the second-highest among power-5 schools. He had an impressive Senior Bowl and was named as the MVP running back on the National team.
Lloyd will likely have an impressive NFL combine performance, but it may not affect his draft stock much. The major questions about him are his vision as a runner and in pass blocking. Lloyd is slated to go late 3rd or high 4th round in the Draft.
Saturday, March 2nd, 10 am PST Running Backs drill, Media availability runs from 7 am to 8 am PST on Monday, March 1st.
Brenden Rice, Wide Receiver
Brenden Rice’s 791 yards didn’t even get him into the top 50 in receiving yards in 2023, but his 12 touchdowns put him in the top 10. So his season made it hard to judge his prospect as an NFL wideout. His performance during the Senior Bowl certainly made some standup and notice. He made impressive catches and put defenders in a blender with his route running. He even posted the fastest miles per hour among wide receivers per Zebra’s RFID technologies, 20.49
Like Lloyd, the questions about Rice won’t be answered at the NFL Combine, but he will also put up impressive numbers.
Rice’s will likely be taken in the third round but has been mocked in the second.
Saturday, March 2nd, Wide Receivers drill starting at 10 am PST. Media availability runs from 5 am to 7 am PST.
Tahj Washington, Wide Reciever
The things to watch for at the NFL combine when it comes to Tahj Washington will be drills that show off explosiveness; 10-yard split of the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and vertical jump. Also, his official height and weight. While being small as a wide receiver isn’t the ding that it used to be, scouts will want to see if he can put on weight and maintain his speed. Tracking dropped balls during the pass and catch portions will also be something to watch.
Washington is expected to be a day-three pick.
Saturday, March 2nd, Wide Receivers drill starting at 10 am PST. Media availability runs from 5 am to 7 am PST.
Jarrett Kingston, OL
Undersized, but a great athlete, Jarrett Kingston needs every opportunity to show what he can do. With a top-end NFL combine performance, Kingston can earn a draft spot on day three.
Offensive linemen drill on Sunday, March 3rd, at 10 am PST. Media Availability 5:30 am to 8 am PST