Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

What? When did I say that?

I may have misunderstood you but here's the post

http://www.thewarpath.net/541274-post62.html

[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).

[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.

[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.

[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)

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I may have misunderstood you but here's the post

http://www.thewarpath.net/541274-post62.html

Oh, you know I actually thought you had written who do I think they should draft.

[Ldyskns fan 26]

Originally Posted by Eknox

I'd take Rey, because he plays violent football, and you gotta love it..

Definitely we got Big Al in the middle and Dirty 30 in the secondary adding Rey Maualuga would be an absolute awesome.

[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.

[itvnetop]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

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).

[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!!