USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley is one of the most intriguing players in the upcoming draft, as he could have been a number one pick last year before coming back for his senior season and since he had an injury in 2012, he threw for NFL scouts for the first time on Wednesday.
According to ESPNLosAngeles.com, Barkley had his pro day workout in front of NFL scouts on Wednesday, showing off his throwing arm for the first time since being injured against UCLA in November of last season. Barkley threw for 45-minutes during the pro day and representatives from 31 NFL teams were in attendance to watch him.
Barkley injured his shoulder and missed the final two games of the season for the Trojans, forcing him to sit out of the Senior Bowl and the scouting combine in Indianapolis. Barkley is projected behind West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith by many draft experts, but his throw day could help him rise once again, much like he was prior to the season when he was a Heisman candidate.
The report said that Barkley completed 55 of 60 throws during his performance and worked with fellow Trojans teammate Robert Woods, who was also working out for scouts.
"A lot of the proof is in the tape -- that's where they look first," Barkley said. "But today was proof that I can still throw and make those passes down the field."
Chris Weinke, the former Heisman Trophy winner and Carolina Panthers quarterback, worked with Barkley leading up to the workout in Florida and said that he has the makings of an NFL starter. Weinke spoke about Barkley's leadership abilities and his experience while starting in high school and at USC for the past eight years.
Barkley looked sharp during his session after injuring his throwing shoulder on Nov. 17 against the Bruins in the rivalry game, forcing him to miss the last two games of the year. He was a prolific passer during his career at USC, throwing for over 3,200 yards in each of the past two seasons, including last year when he had 3,273 yards and 36 touchdowns. The previous year he threw for a career-high 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Last season the Trojans came into the year ranked at number one in the Associated Press Top 25 and went just 7-6, finishing out of the BCS in their first year out of probation. Barkley finished his career as the all-time Pac-12 leader in passing with 12,327 yards and touchdowns with 116 scores. Barkley was seen as a solid top 10 pick last year, but after the injury and a career-high 15 interceptions last season he has slipped on some draft boards.
Barkley could be the second quarterback drafted in April following Geno Smith and depending on when he goes, the former Trojan could end up with the Buffalo Bills or even the Oakland Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs have scouted Geno Smith, but they are likely going to select an offensive lineman or a cornerback, leaving Smith for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders potentially. Both teams could be an option for Barkley as well, while the Bills and the Cardinals are also potential landing spots.
