Scouting The 2018 Draft: Week 8 Scouting Game Of The Week (USC VS Notre Dame 7:30 PM EST)

Today’s premier matchup is between a pair of ranked teams. Number 11, USC, will take on number 13 Notre Dame. USC will be featuring possibly the first pick in the draft with Sam Darnold. Leading the way for the Irish will be offensive linemen Mike Mcglinchey and Quenton Nelson. You can find the USC VS Notre Dame game on NBC at 7:30 PM EST

USC

QB, Sam Darnold - - 6’4”, 225 lbs, RS Sophomore

Strengths:

• Maneuvers around the pocket, while under pressure like a seasoned vet
• Throws with great anticipation

Weaknesses:

• Throws into some bad situations
• Long throwing motion

RB, Ronald Jones - - 6’1”, 195 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Is a huge big play threat
• Very quick feet for lateral movement

Weaknesses:

• Needs to improve in the passing game
• Needs to show more between the tackles

WR, Deontay Burnett - - 6’0”, 170 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Is an extremely tough player
• Rarely drops any balls

Weaknesses:

• Had a low 1st down conversion rate last year

DI, Rasheem Green - - 6’5”, 280 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Had a very productive end to last year
• Converts a high percentage of his pressures into sacks

Weaknesses:

• Needs to be better at stopping the run
• Needs to use his hands better

Edge, Porter Gustin - - 6’5”, 260 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Very good against the run
• Has a great outside move

Weaknesses:

• Needs to do better against double teams
• Struggles if he doesn’t win early

Edge, Uchenna Nwosu - - 6’3”, 235 lbs, Senior

Strengths:

• Sets the edge very well
• Does well in coverage

Weaknesses:

• Needs to develop more pass rushing moves
• Has a horrible inside move

LB, Cameron Smith - - 6’2”, 245 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Rarely misses tackles
• Sheds blocks well

Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t have great speed
• Not very good in man coverage

CB, Iman Marshall - - 6’1”, 200 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Has good length
• Has good speed

Weaknesses:

• Bites on double moves a lot
• Needs to work on off man coverage

Notre Dame

WR, Equanimeous St. Brown - - 6’5”, 204 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• His long strides can get him downfield in a hurry.
• Wins contested passes

Weaknesses:

• Could lower his drop rate a little
• Doesn’t cause a lot of missed tackles

RB, Josh Adams - - 6’2”, 225 lbs, Junior

Strengths:

• Is averaging a crazy 9.4 yards per run so far
• Has great size
• Decent receiving skills

Weaknesses:

• Middle of the pack in elusiveness

OT, Mike Mcglinchey - - 6’8”, 310 lbs, RS Senior

Strengths:

• An outstanding run blocker
• Shows a great curve of production

Weaknesses:

• Has a lot of penalties
• Needs to do better in pass protection

OG, Quenton Nelson - - 6’5”, 329 lbs, Senior

Strengths:

• Puts defenders on skates
• Moves well in space as a puller

Weaknesses:

• Can still improve as a pass blocker, but not bad
• Does give up some negative run plays