Hayes Pullard, J.R. Tavai projected as mid-round NFL picks

USC linebackers Hayes Pullard and J.R. Tavai are projected as fourth- or fifth-round picks in the NFL draft, according to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock.

Pullard, 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, was a four-year starter and led the team in tackles the last two seasons.

In 2014, Pullard made 5 1/2 tackles for losses, intercepted a pass and deflected nine.

“He’s a tough guy, he’s smart, he comes downhill,” Mayock said Monday.

Tavai played defensive end and outside linebacker at USC, but Mayock projected him as an inside linebacker.

Tavai, 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, made 13 1/2 tackles for losses, including seven sacks.

Pullard and Tavai were invited to the NFL scouting combine, which began Wednesday in Indianapolis.

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