2009 NFL Draft - Rey Maualuga Scouting Report
by Clint Clearwater
NFL Draft Analyst


Prospect: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Ht: 6'2 Wt: 249 40: 4.78

Strengths: Monstrous hitter.  He has great awareness and is a natural football player. Can read plays fast.  Extremely aggressive and has a great motor.  Very intense.  He can be absolutely dominate at times.  Can shed blocks.  Very impressive game speed for his size.  Tremendous playmaker.  He uses his hands very well to fight off blockers and locate the football.  He is a great tackler.  Good first step and reaction time.  Decent zone coverage. He can read screens very well.  Has good range when covering.  Fearless blitzer.             

Weaknesses: He did not run as fast of some thought he would, but he is coming off a recent injury to his hamstring.  He has had some off-the-field issues with fights and alcohol.  He was arrested in 2005 for fighting.  He has shown some signs of maturity since then.  His work ethic isn’t bad but it could be better.  Not a pass rusher, but shows ability to get the quarterback when given the chance.                  

Summary: Rey Maualuga is a fearless competitor.  He plays with emotion, intensity and aggressiveness.  He can make unbelievable plays at times.   However, teams are concerned with some off-the-field issues as well as his hamstring injury.  He did not run as fast as people expected and his stock has fallen a little bit.  Although these concerns are very relevant, Maualuga is too good of a prospect to pass up on in the 1st round.  He has matured during his time as a Trojan and at his Pro Day he looked like he was moving a lot better than when he injured himself at the Combine.  Rey Maualuga had an amazing career at USC and as long as he can stay out of trouble and stay health he will have a great career in the NFL.        

Draft Projection: Top 25

Last updated - 4/22/09


• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 Rounds
• Mock Draft Database