Carson Palmer was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2003 NFL Draft out of USC. 182 regular-season games · 12 seasons as a starter · 107 career approximate value
2003 NFL Draft · Rd 1, Pick 1 · #1 overall
Carson Palmer USC Draft
Carson Palmer was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2003 NFL Draft out of USC. 182 regular-season games · 12 seasons as a starter · 107 career approximate value
3× Pro Bowl
- Overall pick
- #1
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 2003
- NFL games
- 182
- Years as starter
- 12
- Career AV
- 1075th at USC
- Pro Bowls
- 3
The pick
How Carson Palmer came off the board in 2003.
- Position
- Quarterback QB
- College
-
USC
Pac-10 at the draft
- Measurables
- 232 lbs
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
182 regular-season games · 12 seasons as a starter · 107 career approximate value
- Games played
- 182
- Seasons as a starter
- 12
- Career approximate value
- 1075th among USC picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 6056% of career value
- Final season
- 201714 years after the draft
- Accolades
- 3× Pro Bowl
Around pick 1
Who came off the board on either side of Carson Palmer.
Michigan State
Miami · Hall of Fame · 2× All-Pro · 7× Pro Bowl
USC in the 2003 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other QB picks from USC
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Carson Palmer in the 2003 NFL Draft
Carson Palmer is a Quarterback out of USC selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2003 NFL Draft. 182 regular-season games · 12 seasons as a starter · 107 career approximate value USC has produced 252 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Carson Palmer drafted?
Carson Palmer was selected No. 1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2003 NFL Draft (Rd 1, Pick 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2003/carson-palmer.
What college did Carson Palmer play for?
Carson Palmer played college football at USC in the Pac-10. See every USC draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/usc-trojans.
How did Carson Palmer's NFL career turn out?
182 regular-season games · 12 seasons as a starter · 107 career approximate value Accolades: 3× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2003/carson-palmer.