2018 NFL Draft: Investigating USC defenders for the Chiefs

USC beat writer Joey Kaufman tells us more about SoCal defensive prospects who could step in and help the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs have needs all over the defense, front to back, side to side, top to bottom. The USC Trojans have two prospects that could interest the Chiefs in satisfying those needs in defensive line prospect Rasheem Green and edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu.

We recently sat down with Joey Kaufman, beat writer who covers sports at the University of Southern California, for his opinion on two specific defenders who should be available when the Chiefs have selections.

Rasheem Green, DL, 6-5, 275 lbs.

Was Rasheem Green’s NFL declaration expected?

Mostly, yes. Green led the team with 10 sacks, was productive while playing through injuries and at multiple spots on the defensive line. That type of season probably meant he was leaving. Among other USC juniors who stayed in school, they had more up-and-seasons or were sidelined due to injuries.

What are his strengths and weaknesses?

His best asset at USC was his ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle, not simply relied on as a pass rusher. He was, though, listed at just 275 pounds, what he also weighed at the NFL scouting combine, and he probably still needs to fill out to last longer in the professional ranks.

What kind of person is Green off the field? In the locker room?

He was pretty quiet when he spoke with reporters and he in general had a more low-key personality. He was overcoming a speech impediment for most of his time in college.

Describe the player Green was for USC during his three years.

He was very valuable for the Trojans, often used as only the second down lineman in coordinator Clancy Pendergast’s base 2-4-5 defense. That made him heavily relied on, both defending the run and rushing the passer.

What does Green do the best?

Pass rushing. His initial quickness helped, plus he had good length to chase quarterbacks.

Why was Green lining up on the inside when his skills appear to more favorably play outside?

Primarily schemed-related. In Pendergast’s 2-4-5 base, the down linemen function most often as interior linemen, allowing the outside linebackers to become the predominant edge rushers. That’s a big part of why Uchenna Nwosu (more later) was often in the backfield.

Uchenna Nwosu, LB, 6- 3, 251 lbs.

When it comes to Uchenna Nwosu, what are his strengths and weaknesses?

His athleticism will be a big selling point for him. Not many outside linebackers-hybrid edge rushers end up with 13 pass deflections in one season. His weakness might be whether he is limited to playing an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

What kind of person is Nwosu off the field? In the locker room?

USC coaches raved about his leadership. In spring practice before his senior season, Coach Clay Helton referred to him as the “king of the lions.” Helton made it in reference to his competitiveness and it was seen as important among influencing younger players and the rest of the defense.

Describe the player Nwosu was for USC during his four years.

Pretty versatile. He was originally recruited to USC as a three-star safety, but switched positions, added weight and became a hybrid pass rusher. By his senior season, he was the Trojans’ most disruptive defender, able to sack quarterbacks, bat down passes and more.

Can Nwosu play against the run, set the edge?

That’ll be the challenge and maybe not. He was listed at 240 pounds as a senior.

Running back Ronald Jones has been rumored to turn off teams due to attitude issues, is that a surprise to you?

A little. I never found him standoffish. But he was a quiet kid and seemed nervous at times in interviews. Possible he didn’t make a spectacular first impression.

Who replaces Sam Darnold at quarterback for the Trojans next season?

That’s the big question. It looks like the Trojans will have a three-man quarterback competition in the fall with redshirt sophomore Matt Fink, redshirt freshman Jack Sears and incoming freshman JT Daniels, whois graduating from Mater Dei High School a year early to enroll at USC.

The race is considered pretty wide-open and will go into training camp in August. Sears and Daniels both have connections to Darnold. Sears was his backup at San Clemente High School. Daniels also trained with the same private quarterbacks coach in Orange County in Jordan Palmer, the former NFL veteran.

Do fans follow Trojans through the draft process and through NFL careers?

Pretty closely. USC boasts more draft picks than any other school, so it’s an important date on the calendar for most fans.

What are the expectations for USC in 2018?

The expectations are downplayed from 2017, when most hoped for a playoff berth, led by Darnold at quarterback. Now there is heavy turnover on offense with a first-year starting quarterback. I think there’s optimism that the team could make it back to the conference title game, which it won for the first time last season.

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Joey Kaufman has covered USC sports since 2015. You can follow him on Twitter for all things Southern Cal.