Anthony Munoz began one of USC's best NFL draft runs ever
Anthony Munoz, injured in the 1979 USC season, was picked No. 3 by the Bengals in 1980, something which wouldn't have happened in today's draft era
USC football owned the NFL draft in the 1970s and early 1980s. The Trojans had multiple double-digit classes in the mid-1970s. Then, in 1980, they began to dominate the draft once again.
Let's remember what this program used to achieve at the NFL draft: "In 2006 and 2009, the Trojans had 11 total draft picks, trailing only the class of 1977, which produced 14 total picks at a time when the draft stretched 12 rounds. In the modern era, the USC class of 2008 had the most first-rounders overall, with four. Only the 1968 class had more, with five first-rounders (including four picks in the top 16).
"USC also has one of the most impressive first-round runs in draft history. Starting with the 1980 draft, the Trojans produced three first-round picks in four consecutive drafts , led by legends such as Anthony Munoz, Ronnie Lott and Marcus Allen. " Let's go over that last fact in a little more detail.
USC had at least one first-round NFL draft pick from 1980 through 1983. In 1981, USC had three first-rounders. In 1982, it was the previous year's Heisman Trophy winner, Marcus Allen.