Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by itvnetop

I just hope people aren't going to be too pissed if Cushing is our pick... the guy can flat out play linebacker. His numbers dipped a bit during the middle of last season- but he played through injury without hurting the team. We (SC) have a stable of linebackers to step in for injuries and yet Cushing started when he was injured. When he healed towards the end of the season, he picked up where he left off.

Adrian Peterson had an injury knock coming out of college and people thought he wouldn't last too long running the way he does. Cushing will be able to take the punishment and I don't have to worry about him over-pursuing cutback lanes (as Rey is prone to do).

Right now we may be losing this pick.

[The Goat]

Cushing won't achieve half the success Rey does in the NFL...but I won't be surprised if he's drafted higher.

[itvnetop]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Cushing won't achieve half the success Rey does in the NFL...but I won't be surprised if he's drafted higher.

Hmmm... gentlemen's bet? You're giving me a cush(ion) of 50% less success?

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by itvnetop

Hmmm... gentlemen's bet? You're giving me a cush(ion) of 50% less success?

I'll take it in a heartbeat... 1) Cushing spends half the time in the league Rey does 2) Cushing makes it to half as many pro-bowls (which will actually be zero)

[itvnetop]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I'll take it in a heartbeat... 1) Cushing spends half the time in the league Rey does 2) Cushing makes it to half as many pro-bowls (which will actually be zero)

Hmmm... so if he makes 0 (half as many as Rey), I guess we're even on the pro-bowls

And I will definitely wager on half of Rey's longevity. You're talking to a guy who watched every single game of both college careers!

I'll see you back on this forum in ten years... we'll probably be posting via telepathy or something, by then.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by itvnetop

Hmmm... so if he makes 0 (half as many as Rey), I guess we're even on the pro-bowls

And I will definitely wager on half of Rey's longevity. You're talking to a guy who watched every single game of both college careers!

I'll see you back on this forum in ten years... we'll probably be posting via telepathy or something, by then.

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

[SkinsFanSince91]

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.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by SkinsFanSince91

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.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

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

[Ruhskins]

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

[Trample the Elderly]

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!

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Trample the Elderly

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

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Trample the Elderly

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.

[The Goat]

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...

[vallin21]

Originally Posted by The Goat

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.