Three Pack of Trojans- 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

The 2024 college football season is coming to an end, so you know what that means? The 2025 NFL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NFL teams.

Here is a three pack of USC players who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

Running Back Jo’Quavious (Woody) Marks, USC

5-foot-10 210 lbs

2024 stats: 12 games 1,133 yards 9 touchdowns 

What to like about Woody Marks

The best part of Marks' game is his playmaking ability out of the backfield. He runs precise routes and has reliable hands with the versatility to line up out in the slot. The Trojan running back has been durable over his five college seasons, missing very little time. He runs with great vision and knows when to slow it down and be patient, hitting the holes as they develop. He uses this vision to set up cut back lanes that spring him into the second level. 

Marks has the ability to cover and return kicks which gives an NFL team added versatility. 

Reason for concern

On the downside, Marks does not possess the best contact balance and doesn't break a lot of tackles at the line of scrimmage. Although quick, he does not have the speed to outrun defenders and will struggle to create a lot of big plays. Marks can be very vanilla as a runner and is a willing blocker but will need to get stronger to be successful picking up blitzes at the NFL level.

NFL Player Comparison

Ty Johnson

Ty Johnson was a sixth round draft pick out of Maryland by the Detroit Lions in 2019. Over his six seasons with the Lions, Jets and Bills he has been used as a third down back and a reliable receiver. Marks has the same build and a higher ceiling than Johnson. 

Draft Nation does not believe Marks will carry the ball more than a handful of times a game, but should help out in passing downs.

Draft Projection

Fifth or Sixth round pick

Center Jonah Monheim, USC

6-foot-5 300 lbs

2024 stats: 12 starts

What to like about Jonah Monheim

Jonah Monheim is a student of the game and can play anywhere on the offensive line. He is a coach’s dream—a player who is coachable and understands what is asked of him. He is a hard worker and plays through each whistle. He has a mean streak, is athletically gifted and moves around the field fluidly. He makes big plays on the second level consistently for the Trojans. He has strong hands and when he gets a square hit on an opponent, it’s tough for them to disengage. 

Reason for concern

On the downside, Monheim is small for a left tackle and does not possess the elite strength to stand up against the bigger, faster bull rushers of the NFL. He needs to improve his footwork and balance, and has moments when he gets away from his base and tends to lean more than he should. He needs to add weight to his 6’5” frame and do it in a way that won’t take away from his athleticism.

NFL Draft Comparison

Garett Boles

Draft 412 saw a lot of similarities between Monheim and 2017 No 1 pick from Utah, Garett Bolles. Both are on the smaller side but have the athleticism to move around the field and get to the second level. 

Draft Projection

Fourth or Fifth round pick

Safety Akili Arnold, USC

6-foot-0  200 lbs

2024 stats: 12 games 60 tackles 1 interception 0.5 sacks

What to like about Akili Arnold

Arnold plays a physical style of defense and is a run stopper who can step up and make a tackle on a ball carrier. The sixth-year senior has an elite burst and always seems to play downhill when attacking the ball. When in zone coverage, Arnold does an effective job of keeping his eyes on the quarterback and limiting the open windows in his area. When tackling, the Trojan safety has text book mechanics and does a superior job of wrapping up runners. He plays the game at maximum speed and is ultra competitive. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and has that leadership mentality from the back end. Arnold has experience on both the kick and punt teams which should enhance his chances to make a team.

Reason for concern

Arnold is on the smaller side of safety prospects, and lacks the length that many teams covet. He has adequatestraight line speed, but he will struggle against the faster tight ends and receivers. Taller tight ends will be a handful for Arnold to contain with his size and frame. He has lacked the big play ability of some of the other top prospects and is overaggressive at times, taking him out of position. He loves coming up and making a play in the run game, however, he can be duped by play actions and pump fakes, leaving himself vulnerable in coverage. He is in his sixth collegiate season, so age will be a factor in determining his draft stock.

NFL Player Comparison

Camryn Bynum

Akili Arnold's resume looks a lot like Camryn Bynum's when he got selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Besides being an older prospect, Arnold plays a lot like Bynum did. Both are willing run stoppers who play with a chip on their shoulders. Bynum became a starter in year two and has improved his ball hawking skills, picking off seven passes in his first 56 games.

Draft Projection

Fifth Round pick