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USC standouts Woody Marks, Jonah Monheim selected in 2025 NFL Draft

Erik-McKinneyby:Erik McKinney•04/26/25•

ErikTMcKinney

USC running back Woody Marks carries the ball during a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers
USC running back Woody Marks carries the ball during a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

All three of USC’s most likely 2025 NFL draft picks have been selected as running back Woody Marks and center Jonah Monheim are off the board.

Marks went to the Houston Texas with the No. 116 pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans went up to get him, making a trade with the Miami Dolphins for No. 116. They sent the No. 179 overall pick this year, as well as a 2026 third-rounder, to Miami in exchange for Nos. 116 and 224 in 2025.

The running back was a standout for the Trojans in his one year at USC after coming over from Mississippi State. He rushed for a career-best 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns while also adding 47 catches for 321 yards with the Trojans this past season. He was a second team All-Big Ten selection for his performance.

Marks joins cornerback Jaylin Smith as former USC players selected by the Texans in this draft. Houston also drafted former USC safety Calen Bullock and defensive end Solomon Byrd last year.

Reaction from ESPN Texans beat writer DJ Bien-Aime:

“My take: The Texans are adding another playmaker for their offense, as Marks rushed for 1,133 yards last year. He is also a dual threat, having added 261 catches in his career. In 2021, he had 83 catches for 502 receiving yards for Mississippi State. The Texans now have a dual-threat to back up Joe Mixon whenever their starter needs a break.”

Monheim heads to Jacksonville as the No. 221 overall pick and fifth selection of the seventh round. He played all over the offensive line at USC and was a multi-year leader in the locker room. He’s as professional as it gets from a personality standpoint and understanding of the game. But arm length was alsways going to be an issue for NFL teams as he makes the transition to the next level. He also is a guy who probably just needs a shot to make a roster and he’ll keep himself there for a while.

Reaction from ESPN Jaguars beat writer Michael DiRocco:

“My take: Monheim started 12 games at center last season but has also started games at right tackle (18), left tackle (12), and right guard (four). So he continues the trend of the Jaguars taking linemen with positional versatility. The Jaguars brought in Robert Hainsey in free agency. Backup Luke Fortner is in the final year of his contract. Fortner started every game in 2022-2023 but struggled in 2023 and got benched for free agent Mitch Morse last season. Morse retired and Hainsey will be the starter so there’s an opportunity for Monheim to win the backup job.”

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz