Compare/Contrast the USC LBs

[Keith]

Found this at draftguys.com. Considering the Texans seem like strong candidates to select one of these three, thought this might be a good thread to start focusing on which one we want to target.

http://draftguys.com/index.php/artic...c_linebackers/

Trojan War: Breaking Down The USC Linebackers

by Cecil Lammey on 03/24/09

...This year the Trojans could see as many as 3 of their LBs go in the first round. This trio was part of a unit that held 8 opponents to single digits (including 3 shutouts) and finished the year 2nd in the nation in total defense. One LB was an immediate star, one LB had to battle injuries throughout his college career, and one LB had to walk on to this storied program even though he’s the son of a USC Hall of Fame football player. In Trojan War we’ll answer the question “What separates them as NFL talents, and how will teams value them in relation to each other?” ...

[Roy P]

I want Clay. I have no use for the other 2.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by Roy P

I want Clay. I have no use for the other 2.

While I ascribe to the same thought, I'm wondering why you would select Clay and why you don't see the others working for us.

[painekiller]

Rey Rey has to be in the middle, #1, and he can not cover well enough for the NFL. He is a 3-4 middle guy IMO.

Something about Cushing bothers me, can't put my finger on it. He does not jump out at me on tape.

Matthews has jump out on tape, he is hungry and has a unbelievable skills. His lack of experience as a starter is a moot point to me. UCS backups get plenty of playing time. And they practice against pro caliber players everyday, unlike most colleges.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by painekiller

His lack of experience as a starter is a moot point to me.

Matthews only starts his senior year while the other 2 LBs are 3-year starters at USC and you don't think that means anything ?

[James]

Originally Posted by painekiller

UCS backups get plenty of playing time. And they practice against pro caliber players everyday, unlike most colleges.

And sometimes they become excellent starters in the pros . . .

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by edo783

While I ascribe to the same thought, I'm wondering why you would select Clay and why you don't see the others working for us.

I don't draft SAM LBs in the 1st round and that is what Cushing is. He is not a credible pass-rushing threat in the NFL. His tackling ability leaves a lot to be desired. In college he ran into people, but he won't be knocking down NFL players with that "technique" -- he'll actually have to tackle. If I were to "project" him I'd say he's somewhere between USC LB Dallas Sartz and Zak DeOssie.

Rey Rey reminds me of Trotter. Good against the run, but not the guy I want roaming sideline to sideline. Definitely not a 1st rounder. The hype machine has him as the next Ray Lewis, umm, that's not even close to reality.

Clay looks as if he's multi-dimensional. He has fluid hips in coverage, a high motor with pass-rushing ability, and most importantly, he wraps up when he tackles. I could envision him being a combination of Keith Brooking, Chad Greenway, and Julian Peterson. That would be worth a 1st round pick for this team.

[edo783]

Thanks Roy. I value your opinion on players, so I appreciate your reply.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Matthews only starts his senior year while the other 2 LBs are 3-year starters at USC and you don't think that means anything ?

Doesnt bother me either. So what if he was a late bloomer. The guy walked on and eventually worked his way into the starting lineup on one of the best college defenses in history. He wasnt given anything he took it. The fact is he was good enough to start when they were at there best. He wasnt just a complimentary player either, he made plays all over the field, big plays and lots of them. He has all the measurables and obviously the determination to succeed. All he needs is a Texans uniform.

[John S]

I want the Texans to take Clay because he has had to work harder than the other two to get where he is. While I thought the incident with the sideline reporter and Rey was funny, it shows his lack of maturity. I think he is most likely of the three to get in trouble at a night club after 2 a.m. Cushing seems to be a pretty boy who only cares about workingout. He could be the next David Bostian.

[jppaul]

Interestingly enough, Clay Matthews is still shooting up the board. He now rates a 94 on Scouts, Inc. which ranks as the second LB behind Aaron Curry, or overall the 10th best player on the board.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft

(note: they have edited the non-premium content yet)

[mussop]

Originally Posted by jppaul

Interestingly enough, Clay Matthews is still shooting up the board. He now rates a 94 on Scouts, Inc. which ranks as the second LB behind Aaron Curry, or overall the 10th best player on the board.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft

(note: they have edited the non-premium content yet)

Cleveland has a visit scheduled with him. Wouldnt it be amazing if he went 5th overall?

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by mussop

Cleveland has a visit scheduled with him. Wouldnt it be amazing if he went 5th overall?

Jason Babin was probably a third-round value who ended up as a first-rounder based in large part upon a solid combine while Matthews starts as maybe a second-rounder in a Draft which is substantially weaker than Babins Draft, also has a very impressive combine and ends up no telling where in the first round ? Hats off to Matthews, he's making the most of his opportunity this year.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by mussop

Cleveland has a visit scheduled with him. Wouldnt it be amazing if he went 5th overall?

Cleveland also has the 36th pick of the draft. Perhaps they want to do their due dilligence in case he falls to their 2nd round pick. Also, they may have an idea about trading up to Philly's 28th pick (they have 2 first round picks).

The draft boards I've seen have him listed 26th, 22nd, and 20th. However, we all know that guys don't always follow the "experts" predictions. Last year, Devin Thomas was expected to go in the 20's, but on draft day he dropped to 34 for Washington. The year before Lamar Woodley fell to 46 to Pittsburgh after folks expected him to go around 23.

Another thought is that they could trade down from #5.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Cleveland also has the 36th pick of the draft. Perhaps they want to do their due dilligence in case he falls to their 2nd round pick. Also, they may have an idea about trading up to Philly's 28th pick (they have 2 first round picks).

The draft boards I've seen have him listed 26th, 22nd, and 20th. However, we all know that guys don't always follow the "experts" predictions. Last year, Devin Thomas was expected to go in the 20's, but on draft day he dropped to 34 for Washington. The year before Lamar Woodley fell to 46 to Pittsburgh after folks expected him to go around 23.

Another thought is that they could trade down from #5.

I could see them trading down. If Raji was there at #5 and I would trade our 1, 2 and one of our 4ths for him. He and Curry are the onlu players in this draft I would even consider trading up for. I know that is alot but I think Raji would have a huge impact on our defense addressing our biggest weekness. Stopping the run.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by mussop

I could see them trading down. If Raji was there at #5 and I would trade our 1, 2 and one of our 4ths for him.

Well, that sounds nice, however, going by the trade chart you would be short.

#5 = 1700 points

We would have to give up our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick.

#15 = 1050 points
#46 = 440 points
#77 = 205 points

That totals 1695 points.

Now, if you want to prevent Jacksonville or Green Bay from selecting Raji, you may be able to trade up to #7 with Oakland.

#7 = 1500 points

So, our 1st and 2nd round pick could get that deal done (1490 points) or we might have to throw in our 7th round pick (4 points).

I don't know if I'm willing to do that, even for Raji or Curry.

However, Buffalo sitting at #11 (1250 points) is intriguing. It would only cost us a 1st and a 3rd round pick to move up. In order to jump Denver to grab Curry, Raji, Orakpo, or Everette Brown - I'd be taking a LONG look at that deal.