Much has been made of USC quarterback Matt Barkley's draft stock over the past few months. He went from being a surefire top-10 pick had he declared early in 2012 to probably being a second-round pick in 2013 after a rough year with the Trojans.
NFL Draft 2013: Matt Barkley is top 20 pick, according to Mel Kiper
Despite having a dismal senior season at USC, Matt Barkley could still be taken in the top 20 picks of the 2013 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
Robert Laberge
However, ESPN’s Mel Kiper still thinks that Barkley could wind up being drafted in the first round, and may even go in the top 20 picks. A good showing at the NFL Combine will be important for Barkley if he wants to re-inflate his draft stock, something he’s well aware of. Barkley was held back by injury issues for portions of the 2012 season, but even when he was healthy, his performance mirrored the team’s performance, falling well short of expectations.
SB Nation’s latest mock draft does not have Barkley being selected in the first round. But considering how valuable the quarterback position is in the NFL, it’s easy to imagine a team taking a chance and taking him in the first round.
See More:
