Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?

I'm so confused...isn't rocky a WLB or is he a SLB I just remember marcus getting beat by witten and I was like "he doesn't look like he should be in coverage" and I could of sworn that he was a SLB..and explain to me why safeties that are to big to play in the NFL get moved to WLB when you all say WLBs can't cover but safeties are your main part to coverage???

You're right that Rocky is WLB and Marcus a SLB. And what GTripp laid out for coverage is also true...however where I think there is room for confusion is who actually ends up on coverage more. I don't review film like some guys but man it always always seemed our SLB is in coverage far more than WLB...that's why i felt marcus was a liability.

I'm so confused...isn't rocky a WLB or is he a SLB I just remember marcus getting beat by witten and I was like "he doesn't look like he should be in coverage" and I could of sworn that he was a SLB..and explain to me why safeties that are to big to play in the NFL get moved to WLB when you all say WLBs can't cover but safeties are your main part to coverage???

Rocky is our WLB, Marcus was our SLB. TE's block as much as they catch passes and are not as fast as RB's or slot receivers. Plus TE's are bigger and stronger. If a safety is converted to a LB, he would usually go to WLB to take more advantage of his coverage skills and usually smaller size than the SLB. (RB's and slot receivers are faster/harder to cover than TE's) and the SLB would be used more to block/cover the TE who is stronger but not as swift as a RB/slot receiver. Think of it this way Nick, the SLB is usually lined up across from the TE. So wouldn't it make more sense for him to cover the TE than the WLB who is lined up on the other side of the field? Strongside LB is called strongside because he lines up on the strongside of the o-line. The strongside of the o-line becomes the strongside because it has an extra player on that side, the TE. It's 4:42 am and I'm not fully awake yet, but, doe's that help? Usually the SLB get's safety help over the top to help on deeper coverage. No one is saying a WLB can't cover. He usually takes on the RB's/FB's coming out of the backfield and slot receivers like Wes Welker of NE.

So since we need a SLB shouldn't we get a safety and move him to to SLB or we should defineitly not get Cushing or maualuga since they leave the field on third downs

So since we need a SLB shouldn't we get a safety and move him to to SLB or we should defineitly not get Cushing or maualuga since they leave the field on third downs

Safety's are usually too small to take on the TE or guard. Just draft a SLB who is capable of turning his hips and isn't too stiff to turn and cover. Clay Matthews is getting good marks for this. It might not be fair to say Maualuga or Cushing can't do it, Matthews may just be a little better suited for it.

Do you think Mathews lack of speed, would cause problems?, I hear he's not very athletic or fast, and was just a product of the system.. honestly the only USC LB I like is Rey, because he's a playmaker..

Do you think Mathews lack of speed, would cause problems?, I hear he's not very athletic or fast, and was just a product of the system.. honestly the only USC LB I like is Rey, because he's a playmaker..

Well they said Matthews had the best proday. That's what I'm going by. He was faster than Maualuga or Cushing. You can't judge a guys heart and I think Rey-Rey is a beast. Drafting any of the 3 would be better than drafting a safety and turning him into a SLB which is what Nick was wondering about.

I see your point 53, thanks

Safety's are usually too small to take on the TE or guard. Just draft a SLB who is capable of turning his hips and isn't too stiff to turn and cover. Clay Matthews is getting good marks for this. It might not be fair to say Maualuga or Cushing can't do it, Matthews may just be a little better suited for it.I originally wanted Rey, but after watching USC pro day on nfl network, it appeared that Mathews was the best athlete of the three LBs..

I originally wanted Rey, but after watching USC pro day on nfl network, it appeared that Mathews was the best athlete of the three LBs..

I think all 3 can play and have good upside. Matthews has made great strides and does look like the best athlete, but, Maualuga has the heart of a lion which I like at the MLB position. I would'nt mind any of the 3 though Cushing does seem to have the most durability issues. I think Matthews is going to be a solid SLB and has good pass rushing skills, but at the same time, visions of Rey-Rey moving to the middle after Fletch is gone look pretty attractive.

I think all 3 can play and have good upside. Matthews has made great strides and does look like the best athlete, but, Maualuga has the heart of a lion which I like at the MLB position. I would'nt mind any of the 3 though Cushing does seem to have the most durability issues. I think Matthews is going to be a solid SLB and has good pass rushing skills, but at the same time, visions of Rey-Rey moving to the middle after Fletch is gone look pretty attractive.Agreed, I would love to have Rey flying at the ball on a blitz ala Palamalu.