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 be fun to look back at the Pac-10’s top draft picks of the past decade (2000-09) to 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.
6. TROY POLAMALU, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, S
Yes, we know Troy Polamalu went No. 16 in the 2003 draft. Well, NFL people make mistakes, too. Polamalu should have gone a lot higher, based on what he did in college … and he sure hasn’t let up as a professional either.
Have you noticed the Super Bowl bling on his hands?
A three-year starter from 2000-02, it could be argued that Polamalu was the Pac-10’s most feared defender during his reign. He was the foundation of Pete Carroll’s run at USC, a player Carroll inherited and immediately turned into a defensive star. The 5-11, 215-pound Polamalu was a two-time First Team All American, a safety who used his speed and power to produce big-time hits and plays. He was also a playmaker, returning three of his six college interceptions for touchdowns.
But Polamalu’s athleticism, as good as it is, may not be his strength. He is football smart, a player with superior instincts and someone who knows how to take advantage of a quarterback. Carroll called Polamalu “brilliant … as good a safety as I’ve ever coached.”
Polamalu rewarded Pittsburgh for taking him with the 16th pick by leading a defense that’s often considered the best in the NFL. He has been selected to play in the Pro Bowl five consecutive years.
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