Rey Maualuga Pro Day Info

[DaBruinz]

Got this from NFLDraftScout.com: (para-phrased)

Maualuga ran a 4.65 40 at the USC Pro Day. He also did LB drills. And he did all this with a "quarter-sized blister" on his right big to that he made sure to show to the scouts after he completed the workouts.

 

[TriplecHamp]

Got this from NFLDraftScout.com: (para-phrased)

Maualuga ran a 4.65 40 at the USC Pro Day. He also did LB drills. And he did all this with a "quarter-sized blister" on his right big to that he made sure to show to the scouts after he completed the workouts.

I really think that if his Hamstring was 100% He could run a high 4.5, actually some times had him in the low 4.6's.

 

[DaBruinz]

I really think that if his Hamstring was 100% He could run a high 4.5, actually some times had him in the low 4.6's.

There was no mention of the hamstring still being an issue. And the 4.65 was the lowest time that NFLDraftscout could confirm.

I know the Pats need another ILB. But I am not sold on Maualuga or Laurinitius. I think they'd get better value from a Jason Williams or Franz Joseph. But, I lost BB's number so I can't call him and let him know..

 

[TriplecHamp]

There was no mention of the hamstring still being an issue. And the 4.65 was the lowest time that NFLDraftscout could confirm.

I know the Pats need another ILB. But I am not sold on Maualuga or Laurinitius. I think they'd get better value from a Jason Williams or Franz Joseph. But, I lost BB's number so I can't call him and let him know..

He ran his 40 at the very end because of an ankle problem (no biggie becuase he still participated in all the drills) There is no way his Hamstring is healed by now and I think that some teams might be afraid causing him to slip a little and we might be able to grab him with #23. Wishfull thinking...yes but it is possible.

 

[TriplecHamp]

The Full article​

"Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga needed desperately to work out well today because he ran a 4.88 40 while aggravating a hamstring injury at the Combine.

He did just that, running a 4.65 40-yard dash for scouts' hand-held times. And he ran his time with a quarter-size blister on his right foot, which he displayed after looking a bit tentative during linebacker drills. Maualuga, to his credit, did not make a big deal of the blister. He stepped to the side to speak to his agents as the linebacker drills were ending and I happened to be standing near them. I peeked over their shoulders as he took off his bright green shoe and pulled down his sock. There, under his big toe and on the primary pad of his right foot was a significant blister. The skin had been worn down and nearly rubbed off and looked quite painful. As he did this, fellow linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews, Jr. finished the workout and most scouts' attention turned to quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was warming up.

Scouts were a bit surprised, frankly, when Maualuga returned later to run the 40. They seemed to appreciate the fact that he did not shut it down at that point, and that he also looked strong in the shuttle drills earlier in the day. His 4.25 and 4.27 short shuttle times were comparable to the best linebacker times in Indy.

Maualuga looked fairly fluid in drills before dropping a couple of faux interceptions, although he did rebound a bit at the end of that exercise.

Teammate Clay Matthews looked fabulous in his drops and made multiple fantastic catches.

The team's fourth linebacker prospect, Kaluka Maiava, joined CB Cary Harris on the sideline with a pulled hamstring."

....Pretty good for a two down backer.

 

[DaBruinz]

He ran his 40 at the very end because of an ankle problem (no biggie becuase he still participated in all the drills) There is no way his Hamstring is healed by now and I think that some teams might be afraid causing him to slip a little and we might be able to grab him with #23. Wishfull thinking...yes but it is possible.

The Full article​

"Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga needed desperately to work out well today because he ran a 4.88 40 while aggravating a hamstring injury at the Combine.

He did just that, running a 4.65 40-yard dash for scouts' hand-held times. And he ran his time with a quarter-size blister on his right foot, which he displayed after looking a bit tentative during linebacker drills. Maualuga, to his credit, did not make a big deal of the blister. He stepped to the side to speak to his agents as the linebacker drills were ending and I happened to be standing near them. I peeked over their shoulders as he took off his bright green shoe and pulled down his sock. There, under his big toe and on the primary pad of his right foot was a significant blister. The skin had been worn down and nearly rubbed off and looked quite painful. As he did this, fellow linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews, Jr. finished the workout and most scouts' attention turned to quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was warming up.

Scouts were a bit surprised, frankly, when Maualuga returned later to run the 40. They seemed to appreciate the fact that he did not shut it down at that point, and that he also looked strong in the shuttle drills earlier in the day. His 4.25 and 4.27 short shuttle times were comparable to the best linebacker times in Indy.

Maualuga looked fairly fluid in drills before dropping a couple of faux interceptions, although he did rebound a bit at the end of that exercise.

Teammate Clay Matthews looked fabulous in his drops and made multiple fantastic catches.

The team's fourth linebacker prospect, Kaluka Maiava, joined CB Cary Harris on the sideline with a pulled hamstring."

....Pretty good for a two down backer.

A few things.

First and foremost, please do not post entire articles on the site. Either para-phrase or post a few sentence. You also need to make sure you credit the sources by providing a link. You can cause issues for the site, otherwise. And that's not some BS either. The owner of the site has had issues before.

Next, nothing in what I've read or what you've posted says anything about Maualuga running his 40 at the end because of an ankle issue. All they talk about is a blister issue.

Third, Maualuga strained his hamstring on 2/23. That was 5 weeks ago. Unless its a 3rd degree strain (which is actual complete tear of the muscle), the recovery time is 1-4 weeks. So, why wouldn't it be fully healed by now?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

The Full article​

"Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga needed desperately to work out well today because he ran a 4.88 40 while aggravating a hamstring injury at the Combine.

He did just that, running a 4.65 40-yard dash for scouts' hand-held times. And he ran his time with a quarter-size blister on his right foot, which he displayed after looking a bit tentative during linebacker drills. Maualuga, to his credit, did not make a big deal of the blister. He stepped to the side to speak to his agents as the linebacker drills were ending and I happened to be standing near them. I peeked over their shoulders as he took off his bright green shoe and pulled down his sock. There, under his big toe and on the primary pad of his right foot was a significant blister. The skin had been worn down and nearly rubbed off and looked quite painful. As he did this, fellow linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews, Jr. finished the workout and most scouts' attention turned to quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was warming up.

Scouts were a bit surprised, frankly, when Maualuga returned later to run the 40. They seemed to appreciate the fact that he did not shut it down at that point, and that he also looked strong in the shuttle drills earlier in the day. His 4.25 and 4.27 short shuttle times were comparable to the best linebacker times in Indy.

Maualuga looked fairly fluid in drills before dropping a couple of faux interceptions, although he did rebound a bit at the end of that exercise.

Teammate Clay Matthews looked fabulous in his drops and made multiple fantastic catches.

The team's fourth linebacker prospect, Kaluka Maiava, joined CB Cary Harris on the sideline with a pulled hamstring."

....Pretty good for a two down backer.

Translation: Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga needed desperately to work out well today after he showed up at the Combine out of shape and out of training before pulling up injured while running the 40 yard dash. Prior to his injury Maualuga failed to make a qualifying broad jump despite numerous efforts barely clearing a sub-par eight feet, all ended with an off-balance and frustrated Maualuga stumbling away from the landing. Today's strong showing helped ease concerns raised by poor postseason outings at the Senior Bowl and Combine and should cement Maualuga's status as a first round value for teams looking for MLB help in the upcoming draft.

 

[DaBruinz]

Translation: Inside linebacker Rey Maualuga needed desperately to work out well today after he showed up at the Combine out of shape and out of training before pulling up injured while running the 40 yard dash. Prior to his injury Maualuga failed to make a qualifying broad jump despite numerous efforts barely clearing a sub-par eight feet, all ended with an off-balance and frustrated Maualuga stumbling away from the landing. Today's strong showing helped ease concerns raised by poor postseason outings at the Senior Bowl and Combine and should cement Maualuga's status as a first round value for teams looking for MLB help in the upcoming draft.

NFLDraftscout has down that Maualuga did, actually, complete ONE broadjump of 8'11".

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

NFLDraftscout has down that Maualuga did, actually, complete ONE broadjump of 8'11".

My bad, I just remember him flailing around so many times I thought he'd given up on it. Not that 8'11" is any great shakes, but it's not as bad as I thought he was doing (actually landing off-balance that often is pretty bad, but at least he made it).

 

[slash83]

If rays available at 23 no way bb passes on him. Snag him up there then take English or Ayers or even Barwin at 34

 

[BelichickFan]

If rays available at 23 no way bb passes on him. Snag him up there then take English or Ayers or even Barwin at 34

Maualuga is still the best fit IMO for a combination of high level of production, team need, projection (has a minimal position change) and motor. I don't see us passing on him and I won't be the least bit surprised if we trade up a little if he gets close.

I get that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed but he'll have Mayo right next to him plus Thomas in the huddle so while he lack of intelligence is an issue I don't think it's an overriding one.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

Maualuga is still the best fit IMO for a combination of high level of production, team need, projection (has a minimal position change) and motor. I don't see us passing on him and I won't be the least bit surprised if we trade up a little if he gets close.

I get that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed but he'll have Mayo right next to him plus Thomas in the huddle so while he lack of intelligence is an issue I don't think it's an overriding one.

I really could not agree more as Maualuga is high on my list as SILB. He may need some guidance but physically he is ready for the position. I find that he makes plays, forces the ball and must be accounted for when he blitzes which I just do not see in Laurinaitis, Mathews and Cushing. They all good but I just like how Maualuga would fit right away for us and I bet BB and the vets would be all over this kid to know his stuff, kinda the Patriot way. I am not sure how far I would trade up to get him #14 seems too high but the Saints would be willing partners I bet. I think there may be a good chance that he falls to us at #23 depending on the buzz the week before the draft.

 

[dryheat44]

I really could not agree more as Maualuga is high on my list as SILB. He may need some guidance but physically he is ready for the position. I find that he makes plays, forces the ball and must be accounted for when he blitzes which I just do not see in Laurinaitis, Mathews and Cushing. They all good but I just like how Maualuga would fit right away for us and I bet BB and the vets would be all over this kid to know his stuff, kinda the Patriot way. I am not sure how far I would trade up to get him #14 seems too high but the Saints would be willing partners I bet. I think there may be a good chance that he falls to us at #23 depending on the buzz the week before the draft.

It's amazing how a group of people can watch the same games and see different things. I'm with BoR on this one, that Rey is useless once a lineman gets a finger on him, and that he spends way too much time on the ground, with minimal effort to get back into the play. I absolutely cannot see him playing the Mike for Belichick. He could probably take over for the Ray in Baltimore in a couple of years.

 

[DaBruinz]

Maualuga is still the best fit IMO for a combination of high level of production, team need, projection (has a minimal position change) and motor. I don't see us passing on him and I won't be the least bit surprised if we trade up a little if he gets close.

I get that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed but he'll have Mayo right next to him plus Thomas in the huddle so while he lack of intelligence is an issue I don't think it's an overriding one.

BBFan - I have to disagree. Maualuga reminds me of Katzenmoyer. Kat did well, but they had to rely on an out of position Bruschi to call the plays and that hurt their defense. On top of that, BB has instilled that players learn what the others are supposed to be doing. If Maualuga can't do that, then he's going to be ineffective.

I just don't see Maualuga as the answer at SILB.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

It's amazing how a group of people can watch the same games and see different things. I'm with BoR on this one, that Rey is useless once a lineman gets a finger on him, and that he spends way too much time on the ground, with minimal effort to get back into the play. I absolutely cannot see him playing the Mike for Belichick. He could probably take over for the Ray in Baltimore in a couple of years.

I think a lot of people are going by this bowl game performance his year where that was the case. I am looking at his full body of work at USC and all the awards he as won and two games from 2007 and two games from 2008 and his hilight.

As a freshman in 2005, Maualuga made the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American first team and Scout.com Freshman All-American first team; also he won USC's John McKay Award (most competitive spirit).

He made the 2006 Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention, Collegefootballnews.com Sophomore All-American first team, All-Pac-10 first team, ESPN.com All-Pac-10 first team, Scout.com All-Pac-10 first team and Rivals.com All-Pac-10 second team and was 1 of 10 semifinalists for the 2006 Butkus Award.

He was named to the 2007 Phil Steele's All-American third team, Collegefootballnews.com All-American honorable mention, Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention, All-Pac-10 first team (for the second year in a row), Collegefootballnews.com All-Pac-10 first team, Phil Steele's All-Pac-10 first team and Rivals.com All-Pac-10 second team. He was the defensive player-of-the-game in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

In addition to being named the 2008 winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award, Maualuga was named to the 2008 All-American team by the AP, ESPN, Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBS Sportsline.com, Sporting News, Football Writers Association of America, American Football Coaches Association, College Football News and Rivals.com.

I got most of this from Wikipedia but that is a long list of awards which makes this kid worth looking at at #23. Hell I had him going to the Ravens late in the first in my mock draft but this kid deserves to be looked at. He is a Powerful hitter, excellent acceleration and short area quickness. He is a high energy player which I think could fit right into our defense.

I also look at the bad side as well

Malaluga has a rare burst of explosiveness when closing on the line or blitzing the QB. One drawback is his recklessness, as he seems to sacrifice awareness for explosion, which could lead to gap trouble. His tackling also suffers for this, as he sometimes gets his head down and loses track of his target. I have seen him take on OT down blocking on him but do agree that he is better taking on Guards which are right in front of him (tunnel vision at times).

Maualuga's speed and tenacity will transcend very well into the pro game. His athleticism and pace to attack the run and the pass is plus, and his love and dedication for the game can go far should he use all of his skill set.

Although he got better each year in college, there is still room for improvement for Maualuga. If he is to become the next Junior Seau, he'll have to improve his cerebral game but I would not put that on his shoulders. I really think he is the most ready physically to play our SILB role and his is not really a conversion as he has played LB for years at a high level with many awards along the way.

 

[dryheat44]

I got most of this from Wikipedia but that is a long list of awards which makes this kid worth looking at at #23. Hell I had him going to the Ravens late in the first in my mock draft but this kid deserves to be looked at. He is a Powerful hitter, excellent acceleration and short area quickness. He is a high energy player which I think could fit right into our defense.

I also look at the bad side as well

Malaluga has a rare burst of explosiveness when closing on the line or blitzing the QB. One drawback is his recklessness, as he seems to sacrifice awareness for explosion, which could lead to gap trouble. His tackling also suffers for this, as he sometimes gets his head down and loses track of his target. I have seen him take on OT down blocking on him but do agree that he is better taking on Guards which are right in front of him (tunnel vision at times).

I won't debate his collection of awards...he's clearly deserved most of them. But he just seems to be a poor fit in our defense....I really don't think he can play effectively without being protected by two fat guys in front of him. If it's a matter of skill or technique, then it can be taught and refined. However, I think it's more a matter of temperament. I think he'd much rather run around a firing guard or fullback than square up and take him on. He doesn't seem to fight very hard to get off a block, seemingly accepting that he's not going to be a factor on this play.

Don't get me wrong, if Belichick drafts him, I'll be excited watching him play.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

BBFan - I have to disagree. Maualuga reminds me of Katzenmoyer. Kat did well, but they had to rely on an out of position Bruschi to call the plays and that hurt their defense. On top of that, BB has instilled that players learn what the others are supposed to be doing. If Maualuga can't do that, then he's going to be ineffective.

I just don't see Maualuga as the answer at SILB.

That is a good point and valid considering what we know of him. USC I would think would have a pretty complicated defense but where he has started for so long, he has been immerse in basically the same system between Carrol and Holt. Where he would have to pick up a new system with a new coach and team it is hard to say how he would do with that.

Your point about everybody should know what everybody else is doing on defense is key to winning championships. A D-Lineman should know the coverage as it might dictate how he might rush. If they are blitzing d-line need to know where the blitz is and the guys in coverage need to know where the weakness is as a result. If a DB knows we are sending the house then they must know the QB will not have much time to throw and not give the WR much room or look for a hot route. The list could go on but if their is a mistake a TD could be the result so I agree this is so important.

When I have talked with pro football players they keep saying that it is not the physical aspect which came hard. It was the mental toughness which must be mastered in order to excel in the NFL.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

I won't debate his collection of awards...he's clearly deserved most of them. But he just seems to be a poor fit in our defense....I really don't think he can play effectively without being protected by two fat guys in front of him. If it's a matter of skill or technique, then it can be taught and refined. However, I think it's more a matter of temperament. I think he'd much rather run around a firing guard or fullback than square up and take him on. He doesn't seem to fight very hard to get off a block, seemingly accepting that he's not going to be a factor on this play.

Don't get me wrong, if Belichick drafts him, I'll be excited watching him play.

You guys make good points as well about the kid.

I remember a post I made a month ago when I first got film on the kid and I hated how he takes himself out of plays to make a big hit. That hit could be on a RB or OL which looks great but does crap on the play other then that. He does not put a move on the blocker and get to the QB often enough but other times he does so he has to improve his consistency. At USC he had ton's of talent all around him so if he did not make the play one of his team mates would as they had the best swarming defense in 2008 that I have ever seen. In NE he would also have a lot of talent around him but to play this way would not be accepted by BB or his teammates.

 

[apple strudel]

You guys make good points as well about the kid.

I remember a post I made a month ago when I first got film on the kid and I hated how he takes himself out of plays to make a big hit. That hit could be on a RB or OL which looks great but does crap on the play other then that. He does not put a move on the blocker and get to the QB often enough but other times he does so he has to improve his consistency. At USC he had ton's of talent all around him so if he did not make the play one of his team mates would as they had the best swarming defense in 2008 that I have ever seen. In NE he would also have a lot of talent around him but to play this way would not be accepted by BB or his teammates.

Let's assume that if we got him he would no longer take himself out of plays to make big hits (BBs way or the highway). Now you have a tough big-hitting ILB on your team. He's s intriguing, he just kind of screams football player.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Let's assume that if we got him he would no longer take himself out of plays to make big hits (BBs way or the highway). Now you have a tough big-hitting ILB on your team. He's s intriguing, he just kind of screams football player.

Let's assume you get him. Now you've got a guy who spent his entire college career playing in a defense diametrically opposed to the defense you want him to play in - you've just drafted a kid and asked him to change his game 180 degrees from what he's been most successful doing. Now factor in the questions concerning his ability to absorb a playbook and take it to the field. Add in the maturity and babysitting issues reported...sounds just full of 'win' to me.