Nick Daschel is a veteran sports writer and columnist who has worked on the West coast for nearly three decades. Nick has covered the Pac-10 for about 15 years, primarily focusing on the Northwest schools.
Note: With the NFL draft approaching later in April, we thought it would fun to look back at the Pac-10’s top draft picks of the past decade (2000-09) and see where we would pick them. Continuing today and ending sometime close to the draft on April 25, we’ll count down a first round worth of Pac-10 draft picks, from 32 to 1. The list includes five quarterbacks, five running backs, five defensive linemen, six linebackers, three defensive backs, three wide receivers, three offensive linemen and two tight ends.
23. MIKE PATTERSON, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DT
Though he was hard to miss at 300 pounds, Patterson was a little lost among all the star power at USC during his playing days. Quarterback Matt Leinart had the Hollywood crowd in his pocket; Reggie Bush the same with ESPN highlight folks. Even linebacker Lofa Tatupu was a headliner over Patterson.
But those who knew football know that without Patterson, USC might be one or two national championships poorer. A three-year starter from 2002-04, Patterson’s ability to clog up the middle and make plays behind the line of scrimmage helped the Trojans win national titles in 2003 and 2004. Patterson dumped opposing ball carriers 41 times for losses during his three years as a starter. Patterson had 16 tackles for loss in 2004, when he was named to several All-America first teams. Patterson’s play once prompted USC defensive line coach Ed Orgeron to say “If I could create a nose tackle, it would be him.”
Patterson’s only flaw – and it’s not something he can change – is his height of 5 feet, 11½ inches. Had Patterson measured a couple inches taller, he could be moved into the draft’s top 10 in 2005. As it was, Philadelphia grabbed him with the 31st pick. Still, Patterson is carving out a fine career in the NFL. He has played every game through four seasons for the Eagles, and is locked up contractually through the 2016 season.
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