Rey Maualuga Pro Day Info

[TheKraftyOne]

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.

DaBruinz, the thing that stood out to me at his pro day was the almost complete lack of muscle definition he had. If you work out as little as three days a week you have to have something to show for it and he doesn't. It's a red flag to my eyes. The blister bothers me too. It makes it look like he tried to cram his way into shape because you get blisters when you START running and overdo it. Granted if he really did have a hammy it might account for it but I still don't like it coupled with what appears to be zero weight room training. It makes the hammy at the combine look a little dubious too. I'll add this after thinking about it, maybe he looked out of shape based on Cushing and Matthews that day. They were in top condition but who knows if the roids story has some legs still? Time will tell on that one.

 

[apple strudel]

DaBruinz, the thing that stood out to me at his pro day was the almost complete lack of muscle definition he had. If you work out as little as three days a week you have to have something to show for it and he doesn't. It's a red flag to my eyes. The blister bothers me too. It makes it look like he tried to cram his way into shape because you get blisters when you START running and overdo it. Granted if he really did have a hammy it might account for it but I still don't like it coupled with what appears to be zero weight room training. It makes the hammy at the combine look a little dubious too.

Devil's advocate: if he's that good with minimal training then just wait until BB and Woicik get hold of him.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

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.

I just think we all forget sometimes that we are talking about 21 and 22 y/o guys who have developing to do still. He does have the physical gifts to play ILB in a 3-4 but has not experience at it which is noted. If USC played a 3-4 like Virgina in college maybe he would have done well with that or benched I would not say it would be a complete 180 degree turn as he is still in the middle....or to the right or left a few steps and he has shown to be an effective blitzer inside. While I do agree to cover him up with two DT's would be the best way to go I think that Maualuga can make the conversion with help from Bruschi and Thomas.

I think it is all the hype around this kid which also turns people off not to mention his maturity issues. I think if he is surround by the right people to tutor him on how to be a great NFL player on and off the field. Teddy is the right guy to do that IMO, I bet Seau would have had a influence on this kid if somehow he was able to squeeze in another year

 

[TheKraftyOne]

Devil's advocate: if he's that good with minimal training then just wait until BB and Woicik get hold of him.

Another possibility is an injury to one of his shoulders he's keeping under wraps.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

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.

I remember someone mentioning this very point—he made a great play in training camp, only to get chewed out because he had forgotten his responsibility, and potentially opened a TD-allowing gap in the D.

 

[apple strudel]

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.

Honest question: how many college teams run a 2 gap 3-4? My understanding is that it's not a lot, so that puts you in a place where you have to project a guy to a different scheme, obviously. It's not does he do it as much as can he do it.

As for whether or not he can absorb a playbook, I don't know. Can he get better? Maybe that's a better question to ask. Not everybody is Mayo right out of school.

As for the maturity issues. Crap, he went to USC. It's like kindergarten recess over there. I would ask the question "how will he respond in a hyper-structured environment?" We've drafted guys from Miami and they've worked OK.

 

[TriplecHamp]

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?

First of all I posted the entire article because I felt you picked out a negative with the blister and didnt want us to see the entire article. No real link was posted and it took me a while to find the article, and I just wanted to show the others, I wont do it again I will just post a link.

Second, If you watch the NFL network at all you would have heard that he had an ankle issue at the beging of the workout and had to get taped, If you dont belive me watch this.NFL Video Galleries

Third if you have played football like myself and you have injured a hamstring like myself It wont be fully healed unless you dont exert any force on it at all (No running, No cutting, No lifting) If you do any of these your hamstring will get better but it wont be 100%. I know I have talked to trainers. Now do you think Rey just sat around and let it heal and not get up off the couch? No he trained for the workout weeks in advance. His hamstring was not 100% it wasnt 100% at the combine either.

 

[DaBruinz]

Devil's advocate: if he's that good with minimal training then just wait until BB and Woicik get hold of him.

The problem with that line of thought is that he's had a full season to "get into shape" in preparation for his upcoming career and he hasn't done that. What makes you think that BB is going to spend a 1st round pick on a guy who can't take the initiative and be ready for his job interview (aka Pro Day).

This isn't "The Pursuit of Happyness" where the guy can show up without a shirt on to an interview and get a job because he looks desperate and is willing to do anything. Maualuga does come across as a guy willing to do anything.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I just think we all forget sometimes that we are talking about 21 and 22 y/o guys who have developing to do still. He does have the physical gifts to play ILB in a 3-4 but has not experience at it which is noted. If USC played a 3-4 like Virgina in college maybe he would have done well with that or benched I would not say it would be a complete 180 degree turn as he is still in the middle....or to the right or left a few steps and he has shown to be an effective blitzer inside. While I do agree to cover him up with two DT's would be the best way to go I think that Maualuga can make the conversion with help from Bruschi and Thomas.

I think it is all the hype around this kid which also turns people off not to mention his maturity issues. I think if he is surround by the right people to tutor him on how to be a great NFL player on and off the field. Teddy is the right guy to do that IMO, I bet Seau would have had a influence on this kid if somehow he was able to squeeze in another year

So a player who isn't on the roster, and a player who is in the last year of his contract and is even in doubt as to whether he'll even make the squad are part of the planning to hold this kid's hand until he's ready to change his own diapers? BB drafts self starters for a reason, Bruschi has his own job to do, he can babysit at home if he needs the extra work.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Box - I think you are misunderstanding me. I am not advocating Maualuga. Quite the oppostite. Maualuga, despite his pro day numbers, isn't on my board.

Never said you did.

 

[apple strudel]

The problem with that line of thought is that he's had a full season to "get into shape" in preparation for his upcoming career and he hasn't done that. What makes you think that BB is going to spend a 1st round pick on a guy who can't take the initiative and be ready for his job interview (aka Pro Day).

Granted, BB prefers self-starters. But very few of the USC guys under Carroll seem to treat the draft very professionally, so is it nature or nurture?

He reminds me of Channing Crowder, who's a pretty good ILB, but who had a lot of similar questions prior to the draft.

 

[CanadianPat'sFan]

So a player who isn't on the roster, and a player who is in the last year of his contract and is even in doubt as to whether he'll even make the squad are part of the planning to hold this kid's hand until he's ready to change his own diapers? BB drafts self starters for a reason, Bruschi has his own job to do, he can babysit at home if he needs the extra work.

I do agree with you that he has his own butt to worry about (Bru and AD) but leading by example was the way I think would get through to this kid. He does come from USC which is not an easy football school he has had discipline in his life but not the BB kind. Learning this from two great LB is a plus and I am pretty sure they will help this kid with film, practice ect.

 

[apple strudel]

So a player who isn't on the roster, and a player who is in the last year of his contract and is even in doubt as to whether he'll even make the squad are part of the planning to hold this kid's hand until he's ready to change his own diapers? BB drafts self starters for a reason, Bruschi has his own job to do, he can babysit at home if he needs the extra work.

Honest question (still playing a lot of devil's advocate here): I would wager that the Patriots' team and coaching environment is different from 99% of college environments, so don't we have this problem with most rookies coming in and having a lot to learn, including how to prepare and conduct themselves?

We drafted Wilfork and Merriweather who arguably had a lot to learn in terms of professionalism. So what about Maualuga preculdes him from joing that group?

It's a fascinating subject, really: how do you bring in a talented player and get him to do what you want him to do?

 

[DaBruinz]

First of all I posted the entire article because I felt you picked out a negative with the blister and didnt want us to see the entire article. No real link was posted and it took me a while to find the article, and I just wanted to show the others, I wont do it again I will just post a link.

Your "explanation" is poor and not really well thought out. I posted where I got my information from (NFLDraftscout.com). And it wasn't "just the negative" or I wouldn't have bothered posting his 40 time.

Second, If you watch the NFL network at all you would have heard that he had an ankle issue at the beging of the workout and had to get taped, If you dont belive me watch this.NFL Video Galleries

First I heard of it. And its interesting that it wasn't reported anywhere but on NFLN.

Third if you have played football like myself and you have injured a hamstring like myself It wont be fully healed unless you dont exert any force on it at all (No running, No cutting, No lifting) If you do any of these your hamstring will get better but it wont be 100%. I know I have talked to trainers. Now do you think Rey just sat around and let it heal and not get up off the couch? No he trained for the workout weeks in advance. His hamstring was not 100% it wasnt 100% at the combine either.

It was pointed out, Rey had almost no muscle definition at his Pro-day. That tends to means he wasn't working out. And he could have been lifting, just not doing anything that would involve his hamstrings.

Now, as for hamstring injuries, I've had them. And as a goalie in hockey, they are as much of an issue. 3-4 weeks is the standard recovery time. If he was doing more than letting his body heal from the time of the combine until now, then it shows a major lack in judgement on his part because being able to go out there and do what's needed is what's important.

BTW, please show me where I said it was 100% at the combine? Never mind. You can't. Cause I never said it. I know it wasn't 100%. He was less than 2 weeks from his injury. An intelligent player would have bowed out of the running drills and just done the interviews and such, citing his hamstring injury. Teams are a lot more forgiving when you are upfront with them. Instead of re-injuring the hamstring and starting over, he gets almost another 2 full weeks of healing time so he can really wow at the Pro-Day.

 

[DaBruinz]

Never said you did.

Sorry about that.. got my posters confused.... :snob:

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Honest question: how many college teams run a 2 gap 3-4? My understanding is that it's not a lot, so that puts you in a place where you have to project a guy to a different scheme, obviously. It's not does he do it as much as can he do it.

As for whether or not he can absorb a playbook, I don't know. Can he get better? Maybe that's a better question to ask. Not everybody is Mayo right out of school.

As for the maturity issues. Crap, he went to USC. It's like kindergarten recess over there. I would ask the question "how will he respond in a hyper-structured environment?" We've drafted guys from Miami and they've worked OK.

The question isn't scheme, it's style. Look at the turnover from Pete Carroll's last team to the 2001 team, BB gutted that team. Maualuga isn't the only one flying all over the field in that defense, they all freelance to some extent. BB has seven players guarding their own patch of the line of scrimmage, freelanving is frowned on. Bringing in a kid who hasn't had to play with any sense of discipline is asking for trouble. Wilfork from the 'U' played a one-gap system, but within that system he had his assignment to play and executed accordingly. Big difference. Meriweather had his assignment, he didn't run all over the field looking to make a big play.

Maualuga was out of shape at the Senior Bowl - he told NFL Network's reporter he was just big boned - then he had the showing he put on at the Combine - still not in shape - and now I read in this thread the discussion about his 'lack of definition' and the concern over the blister. I've dealt with this level of 'self-starter' in the service, if it wasn't for steel-toe boots I'd have serious foot problems for my old age. In order to learn a new style and system he'll need to be better disciplined than he's shown so far in the pre-draft run-up, and certainly more than he's ever shown me on the field.

 

[apple strudel]

In order to learn a new style and system he'll need to be better disciplined than he's shown so far in the pre-draft run-up, and certainly more than he's ever shown me on the field.

But you are suggesting Carroll encourages him to freelance (style of defense) so he's doing what he's told, correct? Why wouldn't he do what he's told here?

 

[Clonamery]

I've dealt with this level of 'self-starter' in the service, if it wasn't for steel-toe boots I'd have serious foot problems for my old age. In order to learn a new style and system he'll need to be better disciplined than he's shown so far in the pre-draft run-up, and certainly more than he's ever shown me on the field.

Thank you, sir! May I have another!

 

[TriplecHamp]

Your "explanation" is poor and not really well thought out. I posted where I got my information from (NFLDraftscout.com). And it wasn't "just the negative" or I wouldn't have bothered posting his 40 time.



First I heard of it. And its interesting that it wasn't reported anywhere but on NFLN.




It was pointed out, Rey had almost no muscle definition at his Pro-day. That tends to means he wasn't working out. And he could have been lifting, just not doing anything that would involve his hamstrings.

Now, as for hamstring injuries, I've had them. And as a goalie in hockey, they are as much of an issue. 3-4 weeks is the standard recovery time. If he was doing more than letting his body heal from the time of the combine until now, then it shows a major lack in judgement on his part because being able to go out there and do what's needed is what's important.

BTW, please show me where I said it was 100% at the combine? Never mind. You can't. Cause I never said it. I know it wasn't 100%. He was less than 2 weeks from his injury. An intelligent player would have bowed out of the running drills and just done the interviews and such, citing his hamstring injury. Teams are a lot more forgiving when you are upfront with them. Instead of re-injuring the hamstring and starting over, he gets almost another 2 full weeks of healing time so he can really wow at the Pro-Day.

Why was a proper link not given, the pro day was on the 1st of April and your post was on the 8th of april. The article was not on the front page. I feltt that you picked out the Blister and painted it as if he was using it as an excuse. If you find and read the full article it says the exact oposite.

If you were on this board when the Pro day was happening and people posted updates you would have noticed that people were saying that Rey had not ran yet. I dont think Mayock was lying about Reys ankle.

Did I ever say that you said it was 100% at the combine? No I didnt and I was just throwing it out there to show that it was and has been a nagging injury. I wanted rey to participate. He had to get Clerance to do so and he is a MLB not a WR so I think he was trying to tough it out. I would rather him try than just do interviews. He is tough not stupid. Im not going to get in a "pissing match" with you, thats mavs job not mine so leave me out of it.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Honest question (still playing a lot of devil's advocate here): I would wager that the Patriots' team and coaching environment is different from 99% of college environments, so don't we have this problem with most rookies coming in and having a lot to learn, including how to prepare and conduct themselves?

We drafted Wilfork and Merriweather who arguably had a lot to learn in terms of professionalism. So what about Maualuga preculdes him from joing that group?

It's a fascinating subject, really: how do you bring in a talented player and get him to do what you want him to do?

If I'm going to select a candidate to train for search & rescue team leader, I'm going to be looking for specific leadership qualities that apply to the job. It's you basic job description/human resources challenge.

So what am I looking for? It's not worth the effort to look at someone who doesn't have the physical tools, so that's a given.
-- Self discipline, on the field, in the classroom, and on the town.
-- Quick to absorb the playbook and requires minimum reps to take it to the field.
-- A hunger to learn and get better.
-- Flexible mentally, adjusts quickly and smoothly to change, doesn't get confused when thrown a curve.
-- Intuitive, reads and understands keys at a glance and reacts almost subconsciously to place himself in the best position to make a play.
-- Directs the other players and puts them in the best position to make a play.
-- Can be trusted with responsibility, big in search & rescue, some people can't handle that pressure and my best guess is that also holds true for BB's Field Marshalls (look at the difference between Eugene Wilson and James Sanders, Geno lost control of the secondary, James was re-signed for pretty good money because he anchored them).

I just see Maualuga as a failure on multiple lines above.