Matt Barkley Submits NFL Evaluation Paperwork, Sounds Like Maybe He's Thinking About Leaving USC Early For the NFL

"“If I were to leave it would be due to the fact that I would be a top-five pick, a top-10 pick, something I’ve dreamed of, something I’ve always wanted to happen,” he said. “I think if I were to go it would be just that time in my life where I finished well at USC and I’m ready to move on."

Barkley is already widely considered to be a Top 10 pick, so he’s gone, right?

Before the season, a few pundits had questions about his arm strength and size, but Barkley won them over with a brilliant season at USC, leading a young team to a 10-2 mark. Barkley’s numbers: 3,528 yards, 69 percent completions, 39 TDs, only seven interceptions. You have to love his progression in virtually every category: He’s gotten more accurate each year, his QB rating has gone up each year, and his TDs have gone up while his picks have gone down. He’s a smart QB who at one point I thought could end up in Miami with the No. 2 pick.

The only problem now is the way the Top 10 is shaking out. After Luck goes first, who needs a QB? The Vikings (2-9) aren’t taking one after drafting Christian Ponder. The Rams (2-9) aren’t taking one with Sam Bradford’s big contract. The Panthers (3-8) have Cam Newton. The Jags (3-8) just gave 1st round money to Blaine Gabbert. It’s possible that the Dolphins (3-8) could slide out of the top five, and maybe, the Top 10. The other teams in the mix for Barkley: Cleveland (4-7), Seattle (4-7), Washington (4-7).[LA Times]