USC LB Brian Cushing ?

[patchick]

Cushing has played DE, OLB, ILB, and Safety. He played the Elephant position at SC which is basically what a New England 3-4 OLB does pass rushing wise. He isnt really a conversion project because of this and because his true position at SC was OLB. So he has plenty of experience rushing the passer and playing in place. Usually a conversion has no or very little exp playing in space and having to deal with various coverage assignments.

Hmm...in my post I explained why I saw him as an ILB, not an OLB for the Patriots. So you countered with info on how "his true position at SC was OLB" and so he wasn't a conversion project for OLB at all. So I guess we actually agree.

Again, Cushing doesn't approach the length of any OLB on the Patriots roster. (He gives up 4 1/2 inches to Crable.) And he wasn't a dominant pass rusher in college. I see him as a better fit long-term inside, but also as a risky choice when you project that position change.

 

[patchick]

Injury prone i agree with failing at ILB I could disagree but we will leave that for later. Steroids? Every time I see anything about Cush and steroids. I ask from where do you hear this and why do you believe them?

FWIW...

Many people point to a photo of Cushing's physique at one point that suggested steroid side-effects. For me, though, the troubling report is that his transformation from skinny kid to muscle-bound hulk didn't take place over 5 years of college conditioning like Matthews...it took place suddenly between his sophomore and junior years of high school. Cushing was dogged by a "roider" reputation before he even hit USC.

It was also widely reported that scouts at the senior bowl were agog at Cushing's ongoing nutritional program involving thousands of dollars worth of specialized supplements every month. The term "manufactured athlete" constantly hangs around him.

For some, this will read as a positive -- he's doing everything possible to be the best he can be. Others will point to his major history of soft-tissue injuries, which is one of the risks of "manufactured athletes." And still others will call him a classic workout warrior.

 

[mayoclinic]

FWIW...

Many people point to a photo of Cushing's physique at one point that suggested steroid side-effects. For me, though, the troubling report is that his transformation from skinny kid to muscle-bound hulk didn't take place over 5 years of college conditioning like Matthews...it took place suddenly between his sophomore and junior years of high school. Cushing was dogged by a "roider" reputation before he even hit USC.

It was also widely reported that scouts at the senior bowl were agog at Cushing's ongoing nutritional program involving thousands of dollars worth of specialized supplements every month. The term "manufactured athlete" constantly hangs around him.

For some, this will read as a positive -- he's doing everything possible to be the best he can be. Others will point to his major history of soft-tissue injuries, which is one of the risks of "manufactured athletes." And still others will call him a classic workout warrior.

Cushing did also have gynecomastia (male breat enlargement) and other signs consistent with steroid use early on at USC, which have largely resolved. He may have used steroids at one time and then caught up with his weight work. This is all pure speculation.

 

[mayoclinic]

This on Cushing from his pro day yesterday from Nolan Nawrocki and Todd McShay.

First, from Nawrocki: "Cushing, closely being eyed by New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton, appeared a bit 'overtrained,' according to one evaluator, but overall, based on his body of work, was said to be the 'safest' of the Trojans’ linebackers."

NFL Draft - NFL draft preview and analysis from Pro Football Weekly

Next, from McShay: "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."

QB Mark Sanchez, ILB Rey Maualuga answer questions at USC pro day - ESPN

 

[BadMoFo]

At the Senior Bowl weigh-in Cushing's arms were 31 3/4". Here's a comparative height listing using the Senior Bowl heights, including Cushing, with arm lengths listed. He's a bit on the short side.

6'4"
- Barwin 33"
- Ayers 32 1/2"
- Cushing 31 3/4"
- Matthews 32"
6'3"
- Sidbury 35"
- Sintim 33"
- Cody Brown 33 3/4"
- English 32 1/2"
6'2"
- Maualuga 31 5/8"
- McKillop 31 3/4"
- Vaughn 31 1/2"
6'1"
- Moore 31 3/4"
6'
- Delmas 31 3/4"
- Patrick Chung 31"
- Mickens 31 1/2"
5'11"
- Darius Butler 31 3/4"
5'10"
- Lankster 30 1/2"
5'9"
- Alphonso Smith 31"

Couldn't he just let his fingernails grow out?

 

[mesoslo]

DE jason taylor can also play LB, I dont know how well his cover skills are, but Iam speculating that Cushing, might be a Jason taylor mold. Would it be far fetch to compare cushing to a young Jason taylor?

 

[patchick]

DE jason taylor can also play LB, I dont know how well his cover skills are, but Iam speculating that Cushing, might be a Jason taylor mold. Would it be far fetch to compare cushing to a young Jason taylor?

The Jason Taylor who's a lanky 6'6" and who started for both the football and basketball teams in college, and who averaged as many sacks per year in college as Cushing has totaled in his career? I honestly don't see the resemblance.

 

[mesoslo]

The Jason Taylor who's a lanky 6'6" and who started for both the football and basketball teams in college, and who averaged as many sacks per year in college as Cushing has totaled in his career? I honestly don't see the resemblance.

Well he doesnt have the sack numbers that jason taylor has, but that could be dependent on how his college coach used him on the field. True, if he was a great pass rusher, chances are a coach will use him to pass rush so the fact that his sacks totals are not stellar it doesnt bold well for his pass rushing skills.
Jason taylor's natural position is DE, and a DE plays closer to the line than an OLB, so even on non pass rushing plays, the DE still has a better chance of recording a sack than compared to a OLB.
If cushing has the raw talent and athletic ability to be a good pass rusher for an OLB, his sack numbers might be a lot better in the NFL.

 

[dryheat44]

I think Cushing would be a solid pick in the third round.

Incidently, that's a full round higher than I have his LB running mates.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Couldn't he just let his fingernails grow out?

With his injury history? A chipped nail could put him out or weeks!