Stanford at USC NFL Draft watch notes

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is the certain No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. We all know as much. But there is actually an area where Southern California's Matt Barkley is better than Luck. Reviewing their games, it looks like Barkley has an ever-so-slight edge on Luck timing his throws on crossing routes. It's also fair to say that Barkley is close to Luck's equal in his pocket presence and leadership. Luck has set the bar far too high for any other quarterback prospect to reach, but if one is going to come close, it's Barkley.

In addition to the two best quarterback prospects being in this game, it also features unquestionably the two best left tackle prospects. The Trojans' Matt Kalil has developed into an excellent tackle because he's nimble and athletic. His ability to get outside and upfield on running plays is reminiscent of Joe Thomas of the Browns. Jonathan Martin of the Cardinal is much more of a power blocker. He's really good at driving opponents off the line and handles power rushers better than Kalil.

Martin could have his hands full tonight with USC pass rusher Nick Perry. Martin has been susceptible at times to speed rushers who can work to the inside. Perry can fire quickly to the outside and could give Martin fits with his speed and quickness. Stanford has nearly Perry's equal in Chase Thomas. A more powerful player than Perry, Thomas could challenge Kalil's ability to anchor the edge.

USC features several decent prospects on defense along with Perry. Defensive lineman Christian Tupou is a legit nose tackle who is solid but unproductive. Fellow defensive lineman DaJohn Harris gets little in terms of coverage, but he's playing himself into an NFL training camp this season. Linebacker Chris Galippo hasn't lived up to the hype surrounding him coming out of high school, but he should be picked in the later rounds of the draft.

As everyone knows by now, Trojans junior safety T.J. McDonald is the team's best prospect on defense. He has good size and athleticism, but needs to be more consistent. Stanford's top back-seven prospect, safety Delano Howell, is out for this game.

Stanford has the advantage in this game because of the other great players on its offense. David DeCastro could be the Luck of guards. He's an incredible talent with a killer instinct. Wide receiver Chris Owusu is having a down season but is still a solid mid- to late-round draft option. Tight end Coby Fleener leads the Cardinal in receiving yards while sharing some time with fellow NFL-ready tight ends Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo.