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

Sorry if it has already been said, but it has been reported that Cushing and Mathews tested positive for steriods.
[url=http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl]Hot off the Wire - Fantasy Football News[/url]

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

[quote=T.O.Killa;542606]Sorry if it has already been said, but it has been reported that Cushing and Mathews tested positive for steriods.[/quote]

Link?
Proof?

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

[quote=T.O.Killa;542606]Sorry if it has already been said, but it has been reported that Cushing and Mathews tested positive for steriods.
[url=http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl]Hot off the Wire - Fantasy Football News[/url][/quote]

Not Rey though...dude is the real deal.

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

[quote=The Goat;542609]Not Rey though...dude is the real deal.[/quote]
I love Rey, but he is probably a middle linebacker only. The problem is we dont need a middle linebacker.

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

[quote=T.O.Killa;542610]I love Rey, but he is probably a middle linebacker only. The problem is we dont need a middle linebacker.[/quote]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and make two presumptions: 1) Rey would/will be an upgrade at OLB over what we currently have on the roster i.e. Blades, Fincher, Wilson, etc. He's far more talented than anyone on our LB corp aside from London, so while OLB may not be the perfect fit...it's shortsighted to pass on the future perennial pro-bowler MLB when we're relatively weak as a unit. 2) I'll argue that in this draft he's probably on par w/ the other OLBs [B]after[/B] Curry playing at the position. His rushing prowess, toughness and sheer physical ability make me think he'll be better at OLB than Cushing, Matthews English...whoever. That's not to say Rey is an OLB...he'll make the pro-bowl as the monster in the middle, but I'm just saying he's easily the 2nd best talent @ LB in this draft behind Curry and will probably have a more stellar career once everything settles out.

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

I don't think you pass up a special player entirely for need anyway. Especially if there is a lack of comparable quality at the position of need when you pick.

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

[quote=T.O.Killa;542606]Sorry if it has already been said, but it has been reported that Cushing and Mathews tested positive for steriods.
[URL="http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl"]Hot off the Wire - Fantasy Football News[/URL][/quote]

lol, k now pics or it didn't happen.

In all seriousness thats kind of a relief. Hopefully that's enough to scare away Vinny from either of them before the third round. After the third round fine, even Dan Conner made it to the third round so it's definitely possible, then again Luis Castillo still ended up a first round pick and has since gone on to be productive.

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

Yeah some elaboration is needed. If they were dopey enough to get caught using durabolin or stanozolol then there's a problem. But lots of college athletes get banged for using over the counter stuff that they didn't know they couldn't use. We had a pretty solid DE here at my alma mater who got booted for his senior year because he took a supplement that had stuff he couldn't take and didn't list it on the label. To me there is a big difference.

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

[quote=30gut;542608]Link?
Proof?[/quote]

There is none. Because it's BS.

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

Cowherd mentioned on the radio yesterday that at the USC pro-day earlier this week, that Matthews stole the show in the LB workout.

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

[quote=53Fan;543121]There is none. Because it's BS.[/quote]

[url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/04/03/league-others-refute-report-of-positive-drug-tests/]NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive League, others refute report of positive drug tests «[/url]

[url=http://usctrojans.cstv.com/blog/2009/04/carroll-cushing-matthews-rumors-false.html]University Southern California Official Athletic Site[/url]

Carroll denies it.

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

[quote=SFREDSKIN;543123]Cowherd mentioned on the radio yesterday that at the USC pro-day earlier this week, that Matthews stole the show in the LB workout.[/quote]

I'm becoming a bigger fan of Matthews all the time.

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

Dude you're up late... i don't really think we're takin a LB @ 13 now do you?

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

Yeah 53 get some rest man! And even if we were to draft a LB it wouldn't be Clay M.

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

[quote=vallin21;543144]Yeah 53 get some rest man! And even if we were to draft a LB it wouldn't be Clay M.[/quote]

Probably right...we keep hearing Cushing but I still think we take one of the top OTs if available. It would make for a more interesting day if all four top OTs were already gone by 13...could be very interesting.

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

[quote=The Goat;543145]Probably right...we keep hearing Cushing but I still think we take one of the top OTs if available. It would make for a more interesting day if all four top OTs were already gone by 13...could be very interesting.[/quote]

I agree Goat, I could bet seriously 1 of the 4 OT's will be available when we pick, and it's most likely Smith, though he is arguably the best of the 4, [B]but[/B] his work ethic and attitude have pushed him to the bottom. If all of them go though it will be amusing to say the least.

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

[quote=vallin21;543144]Yeah 53 get some rest man! [B]And even if we were to draft a LB it wouldn't be Clay M[/B].[/quote]

Damn Vallin. Are we going to have to make another bet? :) Who knows what we'll do. I'm surprised every year. If we do take a LB, I'd bet it would be Maualuga or Matthews. I think I'll take you up on that rest thing now. Later guys.

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

[quote=The Goat;543141]Dude you're up late... i don't really think we're takin a LB @ 13 now do you?[/quote]

Hey Goat, it's only 10:45 out here at Flathead Lake Montana. Me and my girl decided to go camping and....s**t....hold on... there's a mountain lion outside my tent.....okay..it's alright, the grizzly bear chased him away. Anyway...D***it!.. Kelli! Go chase that moose away from the car honey. Sorry Goat. Anyway, who knows? If the top o-linemen are gone, why not take a LB? Ahhh look...cute. Honey take my picture standing by the little bear cubs..........

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

[quote=53Fan;543151]Damn Vallin. Are we going to have to make another bet? :) Who knows what we'll do. I'm surprised every year. If we do take a LB, I'd bet it would be Maualuga or Matthews. I think I'll take you up on that rest thing now. Later guys.[/quote]

Yeah I agree with you 53 on both points. It's either Maualuga or Matthews that we take at 13 no bets on this one :), and now I'm going to take my own advice and get some sleep.

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

[quote=53Fan;543156]Hey Goat, it's only 10:45 out here at Flathead Lake Montana. Me and my girl decided to go camping and....s**t....hold on... there's a mountain lion outside my tent.....okay..it's alright, the grizzly bear chased him away. Anyway...D***it!.. Kelli! Go chase that moose away from the car honey. Sorry Goat. Anyway, who knows? If the top o-linemen are gone, why not take a LB? Ahhh look...cute. Honey take my picture standing by the little bear cubs..........[/quote]

:silly: U should really just get a hotel next time...that's usually what I do.

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

Ok this just makes no sense. ESPN lists Rey's durability the same as Cushing's (4) even though Rey has missed just a fraction of the time Cushing has. What gives?

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

I don't think we like Cushing at all, because if we did we would be drafting fools and one thing I can say is that we do draft well in the first round.

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

[quote=53Fan;543140]I'm becoming a bigger fan of Matthews all the time.[/quote]

Clay Matthews will prove to be the better of the bunch. Period,

His athleticism gives him the better upside. He can cover better than Cushing and Rey. Mike Mayock said that he looked like a safety out there in his drop drills. The SAM LB will be covering the TE most of the time, and we want/need an athlete there. Our SLB needs to be able to cover Witten and other TE's.

HE can rush the passer as a DE if need be as well, so be brings versatility as well.

Matthews = This year's JOrdy Nelson

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

[quote=SkinsFanSince91;543266]Clay Matthews will prove to be the better of the bunch. Period,

His athleticism gives him the better upside. He can cover better than Cushing and Rey. Mike Mayock said that he looked like a safety out there in his drop drills. The SAM LB will be covering the TE most of the time, and we want/need an athlete there. Our SLB needs to be able to cover Witten and other TE's.

HE can rush the passer as a DE if need be as well, so be brings versatility as well.

Matthews = This year's JOrdy Nelson[/quote]

The WLB covers the TE usually, the WLB is the safety like LB and the SLB is like a DE

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543281]The WLB covers the TE usually, the WLB is the safety like LB and the SLB is like a DE[/quote]Well, the WLB is only a WLB when he lines up on the weakside, which is determined by where the Tight End [B]isn't[/B]. Normally he ends up responsible for a slot receiver or a running back in zone coverage, or the fullback or running back in man coverage.

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

[quote=GTripp0012;543302]Well, the WLB is only a WLB when he lines up on the weakside, which is determined by where the Tight End [B]isn't[/B]. Normally he ends up responsible for a slot receiver or a running back in zone coverage, or the fullback or running back in man coverage.[/quote]

Hmm I thought otherwise but I'll take your word for it I just remember hearing that oversized safeties move to WLB and that lance Briggs plays WLB and covers every position every down...and are you telling me that marcus Washington covers more than rocky??

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543313]Hmm I thought otherwise but I'll take your word for it I just remember hearing that oversized safeties move to WLB and that lance Briggs plays WLB and covers every position every down...and[B] are you telling me that marcus Washington covers more than rocky??[/[/B]quote]

He's right Nick. Strongside is wherever the TE lines up and it's usually on the right side. Rocky usually covers a RB, FB, or slot receiver.

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543313]Hmm I thought otherwise but I'll take your word for it I just remember hearing that oversized safeties move to WLB and that lance Briggs plays WLB and covers every position every down...and are you telling me that marcus Washington covers more than rocky??[/quote]

You are right and they are wrong.

The weak side linebacke(WLB or Will) lines up on the [I][B]OPPOSITE[/B][/I] side of the TE, and the strong-side linebacker (SLB or Sam linebacker) lines up on the same side of the tight end. This is how it has always been, and it has nto changed.

The strong side lbs usually have to be bigger because they are taking on more blocks in the run game. The weak-side lb can be smaller because they are needed to use their quickness and agility to operate in space.

When a weakside LB switches to the strong side they tend to have lesser productive seasons (ex. Cato June in Tampa).

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

[quote=SkinsFanSince91;543322][B]You are right and they are wrong.[/B]

The weak side linebacke([B]WLB or Will)[/B] lines up on the [I][B]OPPOSITE[/B][/I] side of the TE, and [B]the strong-side linebacker (SLB or Sam linebacker) lines up on the same side of the tight end.[/B] This is how it has always been, and it has nto changed.

The strong side lbs usually have to be bigger because they are taking on more blocks in the run game. The weak-side lb can be smaller because they are needed to use their quickness and agility to operate in space.

When a weakside LB switches to the strong side they tend to have lesser productive seasons (ex. Cato June in Tampa).[/quote]

Right. The SLB lines up on the [B]same[/B] side as the TE. Do you remember Witten beating Marcus for a TD last year? (Even though it was Hortons fault for not coming over the top like he was suppose to) That's why the SLB usually covers the TE. They line up on the same side. So what are we wrong about?

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

[quote=53Fan;543325]Right. The SLB lines up on the [B]same[/B] side as the TE. Do you remember Witten beating Marcus for a TD last year? (Even though it was Hortons fault for not coming over the top like he was suppose to) That's why the SLB usually covers the TE. They line up on the same side. So what are we wrong about?[/quote]

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???

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543350]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???[/quote]

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.

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543350]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???[/quote]

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. [B]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?[/B] 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.

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

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

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

[quote=Nflnick11;543393]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[/quote]

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.

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

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..

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

[quote=Eknox;543419]Do you think [B]Mathews lack of speed[/B], 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..[/quote]

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.

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

I see your point 53, thanks

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

[quote=53Fan;543418]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.[/quote]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..

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

[quote=Redskin Jim;543423]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..[/quote]

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.

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

[quote=53Fan;543424]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.[/quote]Agreed, I would love to have Rey flying at the ball on a blitz ala Palamalu.