1974 USC national champions loaded up in 1975 NFL draft

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1974 USC national champions loaded up in 1975 NFL draft

1974 USC national champions loaded up in 1975 NFL draft

USC's 1975 NFL draft class did not include a first-round selection, but the Trojans did produce 14 draft picks

1974 USC national champions loaded up in 1975 NFL draft

USC's 1975 NFL draft class did not include a first-round selection, but the Trojans did produce 14 draft picks

While the 1975 NFL Draft lacked the first-round fireworks of some USC classes, it stands as a testament to the incredible depth and talent of the 1974 national championship team. The Trojans didn't produce a top-10 pick, but they flooded the league with an impressive 14 selections, showcasing a roster built for sustained success.

The class was defined by longevity and professionalism. Key contributors like defensive back Charlie Phillips, who later won Super Bowl XI with the Oakland Raiders, and durable offensive lineman Bill Bain, who played nearly a decade, set the tone. Linebacker Richard Wood enjoyed a prolific pro career, famously reuniting with his college coach, John McKay, on the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Perhaps the most notable name was quarterback Pat Haden, selected 176th overall. Haden far outperformed his draft slot, leading the Los Angeles Rams to the 1978 NFC Championship Game and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1977, before later becoming a respected broadcaster and USC's Athletic Director.

Led by its highest pick, running back Anthony Davis at No. 37, this group may not have had a singular superstar, but its collective resilience and productivity have cemented its legacy. It's a classic example of a championship team sending a wave of solid, dependable professionals to the next level, a true measure of a program's strength.

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