USC quarterback Matt Barkley has submitted paperwork to the NFL draft advisory board to help him decide whether he’ll go pro this year, according to ESPNLosAngeles.com.
This is a normal procedure, but it’s the logical next step for the USC junior. Barkley joined NBC SportsTalk on Thursday and admitted that he’s “possibly” played his last game at USC.
Mike Mayock joined Peter King’s NFL podcast this week that Barkley was better than he expected. Mayock pointed out that Barkley does a great job making quick decisions, while avoiding sacks and interceptions despite playing behind a mediocre offensive line.
Mayock said Barkley’s physical skill set isn’t overwhelming, but he looks like a first round pick. Barkley was compared to a more “polished” Andy Dalton coming out of school.
Considering the sanctions against USC, we’d guess that Barkley will go pro if the draft advisory board agrees with Mayock as expected and says Barkley’s a first round pick.