USC becomes 1st school to produce 500 draft picks
With former safety Leon McQuay III's selection in the sixth round by the Kansas City Chiefs, 218th overall, USC officially had 500 players drafted into the NFL - the first school to reach the milestone.
That total was pushed to 501 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu in the seventh round Saturday, 223rd overall.
The Trojans are also tied for tops in first overall picks with Notre Dame. Each school has produced five players who went at No. 1. This is USC's list:
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Ron Yary | Vikings |
| 1969 | O.J. Simpson | Bills |
| 1977 | Ricky Bell | Buccaneers |
| 1996 | Keyshawn Johnson | Jets |
| 2003 | Carson Palmer | Bengals |
The Trojans could break that tie next year if quarterback Sam Darnold declares early and enjoys another good season after winning the Rose Bowl during the 2016 campaign.
USC's also had the most first-round picks of any school. On Thursday, Adoree' Jackson became the 80th Trojan to be taken in the first round. Ohio State is three players behind.