2019 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 2

Stanford Offense vs. USC Defense

When these two schools met last year, USC cruised to a 42-24 win behind four touchdown passes by Sam Darnold. While Darnold and the USC offense led the Trojans to victory in that contest, it’s the USC defense that will need to step up to once again knock off Stanford.

USC Trojans Football

The USC defense is loaded with NFL talent, especially on the second and third levels. Linebackers Cameron Smith, Porter Gustin and John Houston should all be selected in the first few rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. Those three will be tasked with slowing down one of the top running back prospects and Heisman contender, Bryce Love.

Love got off to a slow start this season, gaining just 29 yards on 18 carries in a win over San Diego State. The Aztecs crowded the box and forced Stanford to beat them through the air. Quarterback K.J. Costello took advantage and was able to pick apart the secondary and lead Stanford to a 31-10 win. Expect USC to employ a similar strategy since Love averaged 9.4 yards per carry against the Trojans last season.

When that happens, USC will rely on a very talented secondary to win one-on-one matchups, something San Diego State was unable to accomplish. Safety Marvell Tell will certainly play a role, however the battle that will determine the outcome features cornerback Iman Marshall going up against Stanford wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside.

The junior wideout doesn’t receive a lot of publicity, however his six catches for 226 yards and three touchdowns in the opener prevented the Cardinal from being upset. If he can continue to play at a high level against a talented USC secondary, expect to hear his named mentioned a lot more as a potential mid-to-late round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.