Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?

What's you opinion of Matthews? I think the kid has a chance to be really good.

I actually have the same opinion as the talking heads on this one... with the limited amount of starts he had, I can say he's someone who definitely worked his ass off to get to his current level. A walk-on to a starter to first round potential. He can play inside and out- a natural pass rusher who can probably step in on the edge once in a while if he gets bigger at the next level. But with his normal size, I honestly see him fitting in best as an inside backer in a 3-4 scheme.

I actually stopped by the track to watch some pro day before work today (I work late on campus) and everybody was talking about Clay. Add to that his combine numbers and you see why the hype is there. Out of the big three, it will take him a little longer to learn the pro game, imo- but his "upside" is pretty high. If anything, he'll be able to step in immediately and contribute on special teams (he was our special teams player of the year for two seasons).

Written Todd McShay on ESPN regarding the USC LB's at their proday

Maualuga -- The drama around Maualuga's workout built throughout the afternoon. He didn't run the 40-yard dash early on with his teammates in order to make sure the hamstring he injured at the combine would hold up throughout position drills. Maualuga had a good-but-not great showing in drills, looking a bit stiff in his coverage drops, but that is to be expected form a middle linebacker his size. He did weigh in under 250 pounds, though, and eased concerns that he might have gained weight while nursing the injury.

It was his 40 that was the most anticipated part of the workout, however, after Maualuga clocked in at 4.91 seconds on his lone attempt at the combine. Maualuga finally ran by himself at the very end of the workout with everyone gathered around and he did not disappoint. His times ranged from 4.59 to 4.71 according to the scouts we talked to, re-affirming his straight-line speed and burst and answering any lingering questions.

The day ended with USC coach Pete Carroll jogging to scouts to get the times, conferring with Maualuga and then turning to the assembled throng and saying, "That's it, guys," as if to tell everyone they had gotten what they came for.

OLBs Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews -- Cushing displayed impressive quickness and explosiveness but showed tightness in his hips during coverage drills. That is a bit of a concern because he came off the field a lot on third down in college and there are questions about whether he will be a three-down linebacker at the next level.

Matthews, on the other hand, was very smooth and showed good ball skills during coverage drills. He is clearly the better of the two when dropping, while Cushing is more effective at the point of attack. Regardless, all three linebackers have high grades and all should be off the board in the first 25 picks.

Written Todd McShay on ESPN regarding the USC LB's at their proday

Maualuga -- The drama around Maualuga's workout built throughout the afternoon. He didn't run the 40-yard dash early on with his teammates in order to make sure the hamstring he injured at the combine would hold up throughout position drills. Maualuga had a good-but-not great showing in drills, looking a bit stiff in his coverage drops, but that is to be expected form a middle linebacker his size. He did weigh in under 250 pounds, though, and eased concerns that he might have gained weight while nursing the injury.

It was his 40 that was the most anticipated part of the workout, however, after Maualuga clocked in at 4.91 seconds on his lone attempt at the combine. Maualuga finally ran by himself at the very end of the workout with everyone gathered around and he did not disappoint. His times ranged from 4.59 to 4.71 according to the scouts we talked to, re-affirming his straight-line speed and burst and answering any lingering questions.

The day ended with USC coach Pete Carroll jogging to scouts to get the times, conferring with Maualuga and then turning to the assembled throng and saying, "That's it, guys," as if to tell everyone they had gotten what they came for.

OLBs Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews -- Cushing displayed impressive quickness and explosiveness but showed tightness in his hips during coverage drills. That is a bit of a concern because he came off the field a lot on third down in college and there are questions about whether he will be a three-down linebacker at the next level.

Matthews, on the other hand, was very smooth and showed good ball skills during coverage drills. He is clearly the better of the two when dropping, while Cushing is more effective at the point of attack. Regardless, all three linebackers have high grades and all should be off the board in the first 25 picks.

Too bad we will never see any of them in the burgundy & gold. :(

Too bad we will never see any of them in the burgundy & gold. :(

I'm holding out hope that the Vin-man doesn't take the bait.
I think that Cutler is better then Campbell right now,
only because Cutler has had 3 years with a good coach in a good system
i think Campbell if given the similiar coaching and continuity could be just as good
i don't think that Cutler is better then Campbell + (1st Rd Pick) Rey Mauluaga + and at least a 3rd round draft pick

If Cutler means no Campbell no 1st round pick no 3rd round pick
Just say no Vinnie

Alright, let's go back to discuss the USC LB's!!

I'll take any of them after today. Any one of them will be a better alternative than trading our pick for Cutler.

Give me Rey, give me Clay, give me Cushing to do some crushing, but please Danny Boy . . . .
Don't trade away anymore GD picks!

I'll take any of them after today. Any one of them will be a better alternative than trading our pick for Cutler.

Give me Rey, give me Clay, give me Cushing to do some crushing, but please Danny Boy . . . .
Don't trade away anymore GD picks!

I still don't want Cushing but I def enjoy your posts Trample :)

Does Rey's impressive showing at Pro-Day mean our FO will look at him closer? I mean the big concern was speed/explosiveness and he put it all to rest. Meanwhile, Cushing will have the durability ? over his head until he has a few successful seasons in the league. Matthews is the bigger enigma by far. I would just think this makes Rey the clear frontrunner of the three...

I'll take any of them after today. Any one of them will be a better alternative than trading our pick for Cutler.

Give me Rey, give me Clay, give me Cushing to do some crushing, but please Danny Boy . . . .
Don't trade away anymore GD picks!

Agreed Trample, I'm glad to have the pick.

Does Rey's impressive showing at Pro-Day mean our FO will look at him closer? I mean the big concern was speed/explosiveness and he put it all to rest. Meanwhile, Cushing will have the durability ? over his head until he has a few successful seasons in the league. Matthews is the bigger enigma by far. I would just think this makes Rey the clear frontrunner of the three...

I agree with you Goat, when Rey ran a 4.65 he moved up on my board. I have no problems taking him over Cushing or Mathhews. We should take a hard look at drafting him at 13, because if we trade down he'll most likely be gone. I had my doubts about Rey, but his time (on a bad surface) erased many of my doubts on his speed and ability to move to OLB for a few years until Flecther retires.