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 2009
NFL Draft - Brian Cushing Scouting Report
by Clint
Clearwater
NFL Draft
Analyst
Prospect: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Ht: 6'3 Wt: 243 40: 4.64
Strengths:
Very versatile player. Has good size and frame. Extremely
strong and plays with emotion. Good tackler. Decent
pass rusher. Good against the run. He is able to shed
blockers and locate the football very well. Quick for his
size. Has a good motor and does not give up on plays. Has
ability to deliver big hits. He has average awareness. Uses
his hands well. Knows to take good angles while in pursuit.
Hard worker and a smart
player.
Weaknesses: Does not cover well. Will need to improve to be a
three down linebacker in the NFL. Like his teammate Clay
Matthews, played the elephant position (Hybrid DE\OLB) at USC. He
will need to transition into a linebacker or a defensive end depending
on what system he lands in. Durability concerns (had ankle
surgery, suffered a broken bone in his hand vs. Oregon State, and
suffered a shoulder contusion vs. Arizona State). He played on a
great defense at USC. He will over-pursue at times.
Occasionally he runs too
up-right.
Summary:
: Brian Cushing is a non-stop linebacker that plays with great
intensity. He has a continuous motor, and is constantly flying
towards the football. I love that about him; this young man does
not give up on plays. The biggest concern for him is his cover
skills. Especially at linebacker, he will need to improve on his
coverage skills, and in the NFL that will only be more difficult for
him. He is a great run-stopper and does a good job at rusher the
passer. This is not his biggest strength but he shows ability to
get the QB. Cushing will draw interest from teams looking for an
immediate improvement in run support. However, some teams will
shy away because of durability issues and his cover skills.
Draft Projection:
1st round
Last updated - 4/24/09
•
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 rounds
•
Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 6 rounds
•
Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
• Mock Draft
Database
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