Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 20!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 20...

20. Brian Cushing, LB Southern California Trojans

2008 Season Stats:
74 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 FF and 1 INT

Career Stats:
177 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 FF and 1 INT

Personal Stats:
6'3" 255 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Cushing's best strength is his strength, the beach built backer is a workout warrior and has all the strength, speed and ability to be a great linebacker in the NFL. He is a devastating and reliable tackler, he is solid when it comes to covering the pass, he can blitz the QB as was evident when he played defensive end. He is aggressive, smart, hard working and an all around talented player, he comes from a great program known for grooming high caliber NFL linebackers. He has great football IQ, range and awareness and is not a liability in any facet of the game and will be a three down backer.

Weaknesses:

The one glaring weakness that jumps out for Brian Cushing is his durability, he has missed far too much time for any scout not to take into question. He also does not play to his potential, though he is a workout warrior, he plays down to what his talent should be at. He also lacks the fluid hips to cover a slot receiver or tight end down the field. He can be a tad over aggressive at times and finds himself out of position on occassion.

Overall:

In the NFL, I believe Cushing will be a strongside linebacker in a 4-3 or an inside linebacker in a 3-4 considering his down hill run stopping ability and his ability to shed and elude blockers to make plays. I think he will provide great depth for a team and might be an early candidate for the defensive rookie of the year as linebackers with his skill set usually dominate the voting polls. He'll be a contributor on special teams from day one and he'll be a situational player if he goes to a team that already has their starting three linebackers entrenched as he is too good not to be on the field.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 24th selection, the Atlanta Falcons select...









There you have it folks, be sure to tune in next week for Prospects #19 and #18!