2008 was Pete Carroll's rock-star NFL draft class at USC

TL;DR

In the 2008 NFL draft, USC had a standout performance with four first-round picks, including Sedrick Ellis and Keith Rivers in the top 10. The Trojans' success during the Pete Carroll era was marked by their physical dominance and consistent championship wins.

USC football was an NFL draft powerhouse in many different eras. The Trojans were an absolute NFL machine from the mid-1960s through the mid-1980s. The program fell on hard times in the 1990s but bounced back in the Pete Carroll era in the early 2000s. In the 2008 NFL draft, USC dominated the first round.

The fun started for USC with Sedrick Ellis at pick No. 7, going to the New Orleans Saints. Keith Rivers went at No. 9 to the Cincinnati Bengals, giving the Trojans two top-10 picks in the 2008 NFL draft.

Later, at pick No. 21, offensive lineman Sam Baker went to the Atlanta Falcons. He was the only one of the four first-round picks to play offense. The other three played defense. End Lawrence Jackson was that third defensive player. He went at No. 28 to the Seattle Seahawks before Pete Carroll went there.

USC teams weren't just good under Pete Carroll; they were physically imposing. It's not a surprise at all that the Trojans produced four players NFL teams felt were worthy of a first-round selection. Such was the dynamism and power of those Pete Carroll teams, which cranked out conference championships and Rose Bowl wins with noticeable regularity.

If USC stuffs a future first round with NFL draft picks, you will know the Trojans are back. Until then, the Men of Troy have to prove they can regain the standard the Carroll teams set two decades ago.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC football dominated first round of 2008 NFL draft

Q&A

Who were the first-round picks from USC in the 2008 NFL draft?

The first-round picks from USC in the 2008 NFL draft were Sedrick Ellis, Keith Rivers, Sam Baker, and Lawrence Jackson.

What positions did USC players get drafted in the 2008 NFL draft?

In the 2008 NFL draft, USC players were drafted primarily as defensive players, with only Sam Baker being an offensive lineman.

How did USC perform in the NFL draft during the Pete Carroll era?

USC was highly successful in the NFL draft during the Pete Carroll era, producing multiple first-round picks and showcasing a strong football program.