Re: Which USC linebacker would you take and why?
 

[quote=Nflnick11;540362]there seems to be a pretty good chance that we talk a linebacker at 13 since it sounds like most of the OT's will be gone by then, and I dunno if the skins are really that high on Oher...Curry will be long gone, so the next set of great linebackers will be the guys from USC. Which one would you take and why? YOU CANNOT TAKE ANYONE ELSE, IT HAS TO BE ONE OF THESE 3 GUYS:

Rey Maualuga- a fierce hard-hitting LB who is suited for the Middle but could play the outside. He has been known to leave the field on third downs though. Think of him as troy polamalu at LB.

Brian Cushing- A very complete and really good OLB who has the size height and look of an OLB that would fit perfectly at the SLB spot which we need. The negatives, he leaves the field also on third downs alot, and has had lots of injuries in the past.

Clay Matthews- A college DE who would also be a perfect fit at OLB, and proved at the combine and senior bowl that he could play OLB. His father and uncle both played in the NFL, and both are HOF's. He started the season as a nobody, but week by week, he went from 4th round pick, to 3rd, to 2nd, to now where he is considered to possibly be the first USC LB taken. the negatives on him, he never started, until the fourth game, this year, and couldn't beat out Kaluka Maiva who is considered to be a 4-5th rounder. he could of just been good because he was surrounded by NFL talent all around him (then again if he is surround by the talent of fletcher, haynesworth, and our secondary, then maybe his success should translate to here as well)[/quote]

Rey Maualuga

Why?

* Imo Rey has a mean streak
Rey was the main guy the middle linebacker, the leader of the LB corps
(which imo is the defacto leader of the defense)
Although all the linebackers are coached by Norton it seem like Norton has really taken Rey under his wing.
I saw a ESPN interview where Norton is effusive about Rey saying
"[Rey] way better then i was"
check it out 2:08: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfSsetj_LAk]YouTube - Rey Maualuga Gameday[/ame]

I know Norton was probably trying to hype him up but its still high praise for Ken Norton to say that to the media.

I know right now we need a OLB but IMO he would do well there and later could lead the Redskins defense from the middle after Flecther retires.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

^^^ LOL... "Rey can't cover" "Rey is too slow" ... watch the vids people, dude is f'n amazing.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

But the vids are of his run defense, the interception he got was of him in zone coverage intercepting a bad QB who was getting pressured...same thing with him intercepting Ohio state

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

Fast Times At USC
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 1, 2009, 5:42 p.m.
The much-anticipated USC Pro Day workout that is the center of the NFL universe today has been headlined by some good 40-yard dash times, according to Mike Mayock of NFL.com.

Mayock reports that linebacker Clay Matthews ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash with linebackers Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava turning in 4.68 times, respectively.

Defensive end Kyle Moore was clocked in 4.76 seconds with wide receiver Patrick Turner turning in a 4.63 effort.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez didn’t run the 40-yard dash, and linebacker Rey Maualuga is scheduled to run his 40-yard dash later today.

As for the roll call of NFL brass with 30 of the 32 teams represented, here are a few of the bigger names in attendance: Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress and personnel chief Rick Spielman, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew, Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves, Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson and the New Orleans Saints’ Mickey Loomis.

Plus, Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill is in the house.

The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos are reportedly the only teams not in attendance.



no redskins?!?!?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Nflnick11;541295]Fast Times At USC
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 1, 2009, 5:42 p.m.
The much-anticipated USC Pro Day workout that is the center of the NFL universe today has been headlined by some good 40-yard dash times, according to Mike Mayock of NFL.com.

Mayock reports that linebacker Clay Matthews ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash with linebackers Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava turning in 4.68 times, respectively.

Defensive end Kyle Moore was clocked in 4.76 seconds with wide receiver Patrick Turner turning in a 4.63 effort.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez didn’t run the 40-yard dash, and linebacker Rey Maualuga is scheduled to run his 40-yard dash later today.

As for the roll call of NFL brass with [B]30 of the 32 teams represented[/B], here are a few of the bigger names in attendance: Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress and personnel chief Rick Spielman, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew, Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves, Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson and the New Orleans Saints’ Mickey Loomis.

Plus, Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill is in the house.

[B]The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos are reportedly the only teams not in attendance.[/B]



no redskins?!?!?[/quote]

Man, why do people overreact? :doh:

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Nflnick11;541295]Fast Times At USC
Posted by Aaron Wilson on April 1, 2009, 5:42 p.m.
The much-anticipated USC Pro Day workout that is the center of the NFL universe today has been headlined by some good 40-yard dash times, according to Mike Mayock of NFL.com.

Mayock reports that linebacker Clay Matthews ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash with linebackers Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava turning in 4.68 times, respectively.

Defensive end Kyle Moore was clocked in 4.76 seconds with wide receiver Patrick Turner turning in a 4.63 effort.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez didn’t run the 40-yard dash, and linebacker Rey Maualuga is scheduled to run his 40-yard dash later today.

As for the roll call of NFL brass with 30 of the 32 teams represented, here are a few of the bigger names in attendance: Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress and personnel chief Rick Spielman, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew, Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves, Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson and the New Orleans Saints’ Mickey Loomis.

Plus, Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill is in the house.

[B]The Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos are reportedly the only teams not in attendance.



no redskins?!?!?[/quote][/B]

Wait, am i missing something?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=WaldSkins;541330][/B]

Wait, am i missing something?[/quote]

LOL...exactly what I thought.

Besides we brought Rey in for a private workout didn't we...who cares whether we took the trip to USC.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

Clay Matthews apparently looked great at the Pro Day today. He easily has the best coverage skills of the three. Mike Mayock thinks Cushing will step in and contribute right away at SAM.

That said, I'd still take Rey. I've been saying for months I think he'll be a pro-bowler for 10 years, and we're gonna need a replacement for Fletcher sooner rather than later.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=GMScud;541351]Clay Matthews apparently looked great at the Pro Day today. He easily has the best coverage skills of the three. Mike Mayock thinks Cushing will step in and contribute right away at SAM.

That said, I'd still take Rey. I've been saying for months I think he'll be a pro-bowler for 10 years, and we're gonna need a replacement for Fletcher sooner rather than later.[/quote]

Per SS Rey doesn't look like he's on our radar :(. Oh well, i hope we just land an OLB or a LB, or maybe both) who can truly be starters from day one and add something to the team.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

Ya guys it's gonna be oher, but if we get an LB it'll be Matthews I want maualuga, but the problem is I don't think the skins are that high on him either...then again all this about who we'll draft won't matter if we get cutler, who I do not want

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

I was just reading on Matt Terl's blog that Chris Wilson will be looked at for the strongside LB position. At least Blache is[B] looking [/B]at it. Wilson's pretty excited about it.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=53Fan;541371]I was just reading on Matt Terl's blog that Chris Wilson will be looked at for the strongside LB position. At least Blache is[B] looking [/B]at it. Wilson's pretty excited about it.[/quote]This news is actually way more shocking than any Cutler news. We're considering trying something new?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

Can we just lock up this and any other draft related threads, sh!t we're going to give up all of our picks to get Cutler. :soapbox:

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=johno;540695]Clay Matthews...is a hands down NO. Here's why:

A "good bloodline" does not change that the guy as 10 career starts. Why waste a 1st round pick, 13th at that, on a guy who hasn't played a full year in college? No thanks.[/quote]

Do not underestimate what an good bloodline can say about a player.

Clay Matthews is the real deal. He is a 3 down linebacker that can rush the passer in a 3 point stance. He even out performed the other USC linebackers at the pro day. He is in now way a waste.

I was Jordy Nelson's biggest fan last year, and I now dub Clay Matthews as this year's version of Jordy Nelson!!! He was a walk on. He changed positions, and still managed to get on the field at USC. He is a hard working and athletic LB that can do a lot for a defense.

But don't take my word for it. Check out this video from nfl.com

[url=http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80f8ecee]NFL Video Galleries[/url]

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=SkinsFanSince91;541422]Do not underestimate what an good bloodline can say about a player.

Clay Matthews is the real deal. He is a 3 down linebacker that can rush the passer in a 3 point stance. He even out performed the other USC linebackers at the pro day. He is in now way a waste.

I was Jordy Nelson's biggest fan last year, and I now dub Clay Matthews as this year's version of Jordy Nelson!!! He was a walk on. He changed positions, and still managed to get on the field at USC. He is a hard working and athletic LB that can do a lot for a defense.

But don't take my word for it. Check out this video from nfl.com

[url=http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80f8ecee]NFL Video Galleries[/url][/quote]

Nice post man. Matthews has met every challenge put before him. I like him.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Ruhskins;541381]Can we just lock up this and any other draft related threads, sh!t we're going to give up all of our picks to get Cutler. :soapbox:[/quote]

Dude, You are so right! I was discussing this thread at dinner with my son-in-law, and family, and was going to suggest as a joke, Bobby Bouchette with his NCAA record 17 sacks in a game. Then I see this Cutler mess the FO is contemplating.

Can't they just get the GM of the Patriots or the Steelers in here instead of a gutless VC and a greedy DS?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=backrow;541473]Dude, You are so right! I was discussing this thread at dinner with my son-in-law, and family, and was going to suggest as a joke, Bobby Bouchette with his NCAA record 17 sacks in a game. Then I see this Cutler mess the FO is contemplating.

Can't they just get the GM of the [B]Patriots[/B] or the Steelers in here instead of a gutless VC and a greedy DS?[/quote]

Don't forget that it was a former Pats coordinator that F this up. If stupid McDaniels had stopped acting like a fool and worked with Cutler from the get go, we could still be discussing who we can pick at #13.

Somebody tell that fool McDaniel that unlike Boston, in Denver football is the #1 sport. And that his dark master Belichick can do whatever the hell he wants in N.E. b/c a.) he's won 3 SBs and b.) as long it doesn't involve the Red Sox, fans are not going to question him.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

NFL network sure made Mathews sound like the second coming of Brian Urlacher.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=The Goat;541358]Per SS Rey doesn't look like he's on our radar :(. Oh well, i hope we just land an OLB or a LB, or maybe both) who can truly be starters from day one and add something to the team.[/quote]

What? When did I say that?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;541563]What? When did I say that?[/quote]

Well now i can't find the post (your post) but in it u said they'd take Oher @ 13 and then maybe look @ Matthews...I'll keep looking.

Anywho, doesn't really sound like any of that matters no does it...what's your take on the Cutler in DC era?

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;541563]What? When did I say that?[/quote]

I may have misunderstood you but here's the post :)

[url]http://www.thewarpath.net/541274-post62.html[/url]

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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).

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=itvnetop;541577][B]I just hope people aren't going to be too pissed if Cushing is our pick... [/B]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).[/quote]

Right now we may be losing this pick. :madani:

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=The Goat;541581]Cushing won't achieve half the success Rey does in the NFL...but I won't be surprised if he's drafted higher.[/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=itvnetop;541615]Hmmm... gentlemen's bet? You're giving me a cush(ion) of 50% less success?[/quote]

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) :)

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=The Goat;541574]I may have misunderstood you but here's the post :)

[url]http://www.thewarpath.net/541274-post62.html[/url][/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Eknox;540382]I'd take Rey, because he plays violent football, and you gotta love it..[/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=The Goat;541622]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) :)[/quote]

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.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=itvnetop;541715]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. [B] You're talking to a guy who watched every single game of both college careers![/B]

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

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=53Fan;541724]What's you opinion of Matthews? I think the kid has a chance to be really good.[/quote]

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).

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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.

[B]Matthews[/B], 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.

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=SkinsFanSince91;542034]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.

[B]Matthews[/B], 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.[/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Ruhskins;542052]Too bad we will never see any of them in the burgundy & gold. :([/quote]

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 + [B][U] (1st Rd Pick) Rey Mauluaga [/U][/B]+ and at [B][U]least a 3rd round draft pick[/U][/B]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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!

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;542412]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![/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

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...

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=Trample the Elderly;542412]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![/quote]

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

Re: Which USC linebacker would you like the most and why?
 

[quote=The Goat;542479]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...[/quote]

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.