The 2010 NFL draft is in the books and now the real fun begins. Let the "experts" give you their cute little report cards. The Neon Tommy sports staff knows what you really want to know: how will your favorite former Trojans fare in the pros?

Well, lucky for you, we brought together our football brain trust -- Chris Pisar, Michael Green and Shotgun Spratling -- to discuss that very topic.

Prospects were evaluated based on five criteria: team fit, impact for the 2010 season, strengths, weaknesses and whether or not their pro career will outshine what they accomplished in college. Keep reading to see what we had to say about the seven USC ballers drafted this year.

Taylor Mays (S)
San Francisco 49ers - 49th pick overall (2nd Round)
6-foot-3, 230 lbs.

Team fit: Personality-wise, this is a great fit. The 49ers are an on-the-field representation of their head coach Mike Singletary's persona. They play a physical, hit-you-in-the-mouth brand of football and that is right up Mays' alley. San Francisco also runs a 3-4 defense, which provides Mays the liberty to roam free and make plays. He will be a welcome addition to an already young and ferocious defense.

2010 prediction: Mays isn't buried on the depth chart but he is definitely playing second fiddle to veteran counterpart Michael Lewis at this point. Look for Mays to see some time on special teams and to possibly play some snaps in nickel and dime coverage this season.

Strengths: Mays is an absolute physical specimen. His athleticism is uncanny and there pretty much isn't anything he can't do physically. He has great speed (he ran a 4.43 at the combine) that allows him to keep up with or catch almost any receiver. He also possesses great strength (24 bench press reps) that makes him such a hard hitter and so effective when he is playing the run.

Things to work on: While his athleticism is phenomenal, it's also what gets Mays into trouble. He relies on his physical attributes to make up for his shortcomings, and he does it to a fault. He doesn't choose the proper angles when tackling and doesn't always play the proper technique. You know what they say: the hips don't lie. But Mays' certainly do. His ultra-aggressive nature is also a problem. Mays plays the man instead of the ball more often than not, opting to make the big hit as opposed to the big play.
 
Better pro or college career?: Pro. Mays totaled nearly 270 tackles and five interceptions in his career at USC and was named an All-American three straight times. But even after setting the bar so high, Mays and his athleticism are taking it to the next level. He models his game after, and hopes to follow in the footsteps of, former Trojan and all-time 49er great Ronnie Lott. While he can never live up to the man who cut off the top of his finger so he could play, Mays can be a close second.

Charles Brown (OT)
New Orleans Saints - 64th pick overall (2nd Round)
6-foot-5, 303 lbs.

Team fit: Last year, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees was taken to the ground a career-high 20 times. So when the Saints burned a second rounder on some blindside protection in the form of Charles Brown nobody was surprised. But New Orleans already has a Pro-Bowler Brown at left tackle in Jammal Brown. Even though Jammal is only 29, look for his brother from another mother to take over for him in the next two to three years.

2010 prediction: Brown is currently listed as third on the depth chart for starting tackles. Don't expect him to play much, if at all, barring a torrid run of O-line injuries. Look for Brown to utilize his time as a reserve to get a better grasp on the Saints' offense so that when his time comes he will be ready.

Strengths: Brown is very athletic for his size, having been a tight end all the way up until college. His footwork and agility allow him to hold blocks for extended periods of time, making him an ideal pass blocker. He has good balance and a body frame that has not met its maximum potential.

Things to work on: While Brown excels in passing situations, he isn't exactly the greatest run blocker. He needs to hit the gym like Rocky before his big fight so he can add the necessary strength to win the battle of the trenches and finish blocks.

Better pro or college career?: Pro. Brown was converted to an offensive lineman when he got to USC and didn't become a starter until his junior year. From that point on, he started all 26 games at left tackle for the Trojans. He helped block the way to successful quarterback campaigns for both Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley. But even after a fairly successful collegiate career, the best is yet to come. Brown has plenty of room to grow, both mentally and physically; spending his first few seasons doing so will make him the complete package at his position.

Damian Williams (WR)
Tennessee Titans - 77th pick overall (3rd Round)
6-foot-1, 197 lbs.

Oregon State v USC

Team fit: The Tennessee Titans didn't need a wide receiver. In fact, they now have 10 receivers on their roster. But Williams was likely the top player on the Titans' draft board. Though it may not seem ideal for Williams to go to a place with so many receivers, the Titans don't have depth at the position.

The names Justin Gage and Nate Washington don't strike fear in the hearts of defenses, yet they are Tennessee's top receivers. Last year's top pick, Kenny Britt, could challenge Washington as a deep threat on the outside. With Britt and Washington both being speed threats outside, Williams could easily slide into a slot role and carve out a niche.

2010 prediction: Last season, Britt caught 42 passes for 701 yards. Williams may not amass those totals, but he will likely show his playmaking ability. He runs crisp routes that should get him open over the middle and allow him some space to make plays. Expect Williams to show flashes of brilliance, but he'll be inconsistent at best. He could also play a role on special teams, having been one of the nation's leading punt returners in 2009

Strengths: D-Will is a polished receiver. His route-running ability is first class. He doesn't need much space because he catches the ball extremely well -- even when coming down with it in traffic. Once he gets the ball, Williams becomes a playmaker. He can make guys miss with his agility and athleticism. He doesn't necessarily wow you with dramatic cuts like Reggie Bush did at USC, but he does all the small things well (seeing the field, setting up defenders, following blocks, etc.), and is very elusive as a result.
 
Things to work on: Without elite top-end speed, Williams may never become a star on the outside. He is shifty and elusive, but he has to be able to create space in order to get the ball in his hands. He didn't have to deal with much physicality at the line of scrimmage in college, so it will be interesting to see if he can adjust to being bumped at the line. He also comes with some injury concerns after being dinged up often in college.

Better pro or college career?: College. Williams was USC's go-to receiver the last two years. When Pete Carroll needed a big pass play, he tried to find a way to get the ball into the hands of No. 18. Without premier speed or great acceleration, it is doubtful that Williams will ever become a go-to receiver who can be counted on to make big plays at the NFL level.

Kevin Thomas (CB)
Indianapolis Colts - 94th pick overall (3rd Round)
6-foot, 192 lbs.

Team fit: Thomas was a pre-draft star. A starter only in his senior season at USC, Thomas ran a 4.48 40 at the combine, which helped boost his value from a potential fifth or sixth round pick to the end of the third round, where he was selected by the Colts. The quicker than expected 40 time makes Thomas an intriguing fit with Indianapolis because he is bigger than any of the corners currently on their roster. His long arms allow him to make plays on the ball, which should help him excel in Indy's zone-based scheme.

2010 prediction: Thomas will have a chance to make his mark. He'll likely compete with Jacob Lacey to be the nickel cornerback. He could also see a boost in playing time if Kelvin Hayden cannot stay on the field this season after missing parts of the last two seasons with injuries. Jerraud Powers is also only in his second season, so there's no guarantee he'll be a lock on the outside.

Strengths: Though he did not have any interceptions his senior year, Thomas' combination of size and speed allows him to make plays. At the line of scrimmage, he puts his hands on receivers and uses his length to disrupt their timing and routes. He also has good awareness and plays the ball well. He led USC in pass breakups and was tied in pass deflections. 
 
Things to work on: It will be interesting to see how well Thomas plays off the ball in the NFL. He needs to tighten up flaws in his footwork that leave him vulnerable when he can't use his physicality. He also needs to improve his tackling, so he can be more effective in run support.

Better pro or college career?: Pro. After being an All-American coming out of high school, Thomas missed nearly two seasons due to injuries, which made some teams wary of drafting him. With his skill set, he will exceed expectations and have a lengthy NFL career.

Everson Griffen (DE)
Minnesota Vikings - 100th overall (4th round)
6-foot-3, 273 lbs.

Team fit: Griffen, much like McKnight, finds himself on a team that can cater to his strong suits. The Vikings led the league in sacks last season and will continue to crop dust opposing offenses with pressure up front. Griffen will step in to fill a position on the Minnesota depth chart that was vacated by another former Trojans defensive end Kenechi Udeze, who retired in 2009 to battle leukemia. Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier knows how to dial up the pressure and will find a way to get the most out of Griffen.

2010 prediction: Barring injury, Griffen will not start for the Vikings in 2010. But that does not mean he won't get a chance to make an impact. Brian Robison tallied 4.5 sacks while backing up Jared Allen last season. Griffen, who is significantly more athletic than Robison, should experience similar success. Expect 3-5 sacks and 10-15 tackles from Griffen as an alternate for Ray Edwards at left end. Do not, however, expect Griffen to approach Allen's prodigious mullet growing ability.

Strengths: Griffen is an absolute physical freak. With a 4.6 40-yard dash time, Griffen runs faster than several running backs. He has a great burst off the ball and uses his hands well against opposing offensive linemen. The Trojans' pass rusher has more swim moves in his repertoire than Michael Phelps. When motivated, Griffen can be dominant and a handful for opposing offenses.

Things to work on: Much like some of his teammates who entered the 2010 NFL draft, Griffen has been labeled an underachiever. During his time as a Trojan, Griffen would go from looking like an All-Pro to an average Joe depending on the game. Consistency in effort and performance will be key for Griffen's professional prospects. Griffen is also about as instinctive as Mr. Magoo. He will have to improve his football IQ before developing into a true impact NFL player.

Better pro career or college career?: Pro. Griffen has the makings of a steal as a fourth round draft pick. His performance at the combine and USC Pro Day showed the immense potential that he has yet to tap. At worst, Griffen projects to be a quality pass rush specialist a la Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Griffen's upside, however, could help him become a Pro Bowl caliber sack artist.  

Joe McKnight (RB)
New York Jets - 112th overall (4th round)
5-foot-11, 198 lbs

Team fit: McKnight finds himself on the NFL's top rushing offense from 2009. Rex Ryan will likely use him to fill the Leon Washington role for the Jets. That means McKnight will be counted on to contribute on kick returns and as an alternate for Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Stanford v USC

That is a great role for the former USC starting running back. With a solid supporting cast and a run-first offensive system, McKnight finds himself in an ideal situation.  

2010 prediction: McKnight will make his biggest contribution on special teams this season. With Washington gone, the Jets need a playmaker returning kicks - McKnight fits the bill. The team will also use the speedy McKnight as a change-of-pace back for Greene and Tomlinson. He will be a solid role player for the Jets and should provide a couple of big plays over the course of the season.

Strengths: Although he did not set the track on fire with his 40-yard dash time at the combine, McKnight consistently displayed great game speed throughout his college career. The man is also shiftier than an ADHD-addled sixth grader who forgot to take his Ritalin. With great athleticism and an excellent burst, McKnight offers excellent upside as a playmaker.

Things to work on: McKnight is the John Bender of rookie running backs entering the 2010 season. The former Trojan consistently failed to fulfill his potential after being touted as the next Reggie Bush upon arriving at USC. And if his fumbling woes from college continue, McKnight, like Mr. Bender, will certainly find himself serving detention for Rex Ryan. With his slight frame, McKnight will struggle running between the tackles. Durability will also be a concern for the newest addition to the Jets backfield.

Better pro career or college career?: Pro. McKnight never elevated his play to meet the high bar that was set for him at USC. The expectations are not nearly as great with Gang Green in New York. The team can afford to bring McKnight along slowly with Greene and Tomlinson above him on the roster. The extra depth will also allow McKnight to do what he does best - burn special teams units like a broken toaster oven.

Anthony McCoy (TE)
Seattle Seahawks - 185th pick overall (6th Round)
6-foot-4, 259 lbs.

Team fit: McCoy finds himself in the peculiar position of being third on the depth chart behind 2009 breakout John Carlson and seasoned veteran Chris Baker. The good news for McCoy is that his former coach at USC, Pete Carroll, is now running the show in the Pacific Northwest. And nobody will know better than Carroll exactly how to utilize McCoy's talent. Better yet, he will be surrounded by coaches he is familiar with and will be ahead of the learning curve because he likely won't have to learn a new offensive scheme.

2010 prediction: Look for McCoy to get the majority of his playing time on special teams, possibly on the hands team. He could also see some snaps in two tight end formations if Carlson or Baker is injured.

Strengths: McCoy presents a nice big target for any quarterback throwing the ball his way. He was a top performer in the vertical jump at the combine, leaping 35.5 inches into the air. Combine that vertical with hands that measure nearly 11 inches and it's easy to see why McCoy is considered a high potential player. Once he has the ball in his hands, he's harder to take down than that Jenny McCarthy poster you've had up since your freshman year of high school.
 
Things to work on: McCoy's problem isn't catching the ball, it's getting open. He lacks the necessary burst of speed to beat defenders off the line. McCoy is also void of focus, as was evidenced when he was forced to sit out the Emerald Bowl this season after being ruled academically ineligible. That lack of focus was further illustrated when he tested positive for marijuana at the combine.

Better pro or college career?: College. McCoy racked up 731 yards on 46 receptions and three touchdowns in his time in cardinal and gold. Not gaudy numbers by any means. But even with his college coach in the fold, I don't expect him to replicate those numbers. A lack of focus, either off the field or on it, will not do in the NFL, especially in the Roger Goodell era. Just ask Ben Roethlisberger or Michael Vick what happens when you lose focus off the field and get in trouble with the 5-0.