FROM WES BUNTING:
USC held its annual pro day Wednesday in front of a packed house of NFL officials. Head coaches Sean Payton (Saints), Brad Childress (Vikings), Mike Singletary (49ers), Ken Whisenhunt (Cardinals) and Jim Schwartz (Lions) were in attendance, as were team executives Martin Mayhew (Lions), Ted Thompson (Packers), Mickey Loomis (Saints), Rod Graves (Cardinals) and about half of the Seahawks’ front office. Seattle looks like an ideal landing spot for USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, and the Seahawks appear to be doing a significant amount of homework on him. With an abundance of talented Trojans taking part in workouts, the National Football Post analyzes the results from the pro day.
Note: Times listed below are not official but were obtained from a number of sources on site.
QB Mark Sanchez (6-2, 227) had a strong throwing session and missed on just three passes in his workout. His accuracy, footwork and confidence were apparent throughout the drills, and he proved to have more than enough arm strength to make the throws in the NFL. One of the more interesting bits of information from the day was that the Detroit Lions coaching staff asked if Sanchez would make a few additional throws at the end of his workout. Sanchez agreed and was said to handle the extra work well. I absolutely love his mindset and willingness to take on any challenge at any time. He may not have the elite physical skill set of quarterbacks Matthew Stafford or Josh Freeman, but he’s the guy I want leading my offense in the NFL.
OLB Clay Matthews (6-3, 240) had another stellar workout. He not only ran an impressive 4.57 40 time, he also looked very fluid and natural during position drills. Matthews is a former high school safety, and his ability to play in space and get out of his breaks cleanly is one reason I think he has the makings of a three-down linebacker at the next level.
OLB Brian Cushing (6-3, 243) also had a solid workout but did not display the same type of fluidity or change-of-directions skills that Matthews possesses. Cushing did run well, posting a 4.68 40 time, and looks like a solid first-round pick. However, I still question his ability to play in space as a three-down linebacker.
At the Senior Bowl in January, one of the first pieces I wrote for the National Football Post included an evaluation of Matthews and Cushing, which shed some light on my thoughts that Matthews might be considered a better overall prospect than his more highly publicized teammate.
“Matthews displays better body control and footwork in space as well as better overall technique and hand placement as a pass rusher. Matthews consistently is able to shed more blocks and has really done well for himself this week. By no means am I saying that Cushing is a bad prospect; he will certainly go in the top two rounds. But this is more of a plug for Matthews to show how far he’s come since the beginning of the season.”
Now that postseason workouts are all but concluded, I feel even stronger in my convictions about Matthews being a superior prospect to Cushing, and I think Matthews has a chance to come off the board some time during the mid-first round.
MLB Rey Maualuga (6-2, 249) got his first chance to work out since pulling a hamstring at the NFL Combine. Maualuga ran an impressive 4.70 40 and looked very sudden during position drills. He showcased good balance and does a nice job changing directions and getting back to speed quickly. Maualuga looks to have solidified himself as a first-round prospect.
Back-up LB Kaluka Maiava (6-0, 229) is trying to follow in the footsteps of former Trojan reserve linebacker Thomas Williams, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 draft. Maiava ran well, clocking a 4.68 in the 40, but he pulled up lame and was unable to take part in position drills.
DE Kyle Moore (6-5, 272) is a tall, long-armed defensive end who has the ability to play as a base DE in a 4-3 or add some weight and make the move to the five-technique position in the 3-4. Moore showcased impressive athleticism and flexibility during his workout and ran his 40 in 4.76 seconds.
WR Patrick Turner, considered one of the draft’s top possession receivers, did a nice job during position drills. He caught the ball well and looked smooth in and out of his breaks. Turner also ran under the 4.60-second mark (4.58) in the 40, an impressive time for a guy who’s 6-5, 223 pounds.
Safety/linebacker tweener Kevin Ellison (6-1, 221) improved on his 4.80 40 time at the Combine to a more respectable 4.70. He’s considered simply a football player and does his damage in pads. However, it’s hard to imagine a team drafting Ellison and expecting him to develop into a starting strong safety with his lack of speed. A move to linebacker looks like his best option.
CB Cary Harris (6-0 187) pulled up lame during his 40 attempt and was unable to take part in position drills.
Also working out at the USC pro day were former Trojans TE Dominique Byrd, RB Hershel Dennis, RB Desmond Reed and WR Jason Mitchell.
Matthews outplayed Cushing this year season, that is why this is such a good argument.
SJGMoney, you have a point but also remember that there are many examples of playmakers in college who don't pan out in the pros. I think Wes has a point where there are players who are beasts in college but don't project well to the pros, for a variety of reasons.
I've always liked Clay Jr better than Cushing for the exact same reasons Wes brought up. Being able to play third down and actually cover the Gonzalezes, Wittens, and Clarks of the league adds an entirely new dimension to a prospect's value IMO.
Sure, Cushing made all the highlight reels with tackles for loss up the wazoo. But who was locking down the opponents' tight ends and flares? Those don't typically show up on SportsCenter.
Wes, I am a huge USC fan and have been reading you since you came on during the Senior Bowl. I remember when you took a look at both guys and I felt the same way based on their play this season. However, at the time no one had the guts to say that the unknown Clay Matthews was better then big time Cushing. I have to say you were WAY ahead of the curve my friend.
Great breakdowns and keep up the good work, you have a lot of interested viewers everyday!!!
I just didn't see it the last couple of years, I must be blind.
And Maiava is going to go well before the 5th round, the Pats won't let him go beyond the 3rd.
Clay Jr. has shown that he is an athlete and that his best is yet to come. I think media over hypes these athletes to make some news. I would always go with proven players over great numbers. Also I agree with SJGMoney that Maiava will go earlier than the 5th. He is a true warrior and Pete Carroll said it "He is the toughest player on the team, ask any one on the team!" Ken Norton "Maiava will not only make the NFL he will be a starter!"
If Clay Jr. was not the son of a NFL player or nephew of a Hall of Famer, both of which who know how to market themselves and know how to work the NFL system, JR. would not get as much hype. I agree that pedigree is a factor but it says something that he could not beat out Maualuga, Cushing, or Maiava to start at USC the past years.
Wes you have been hyping my boy for too long Haha, now there is no way he falls to the raiders at #40.
Is it me or did the USC pro day times look like they were EXACTLY .1 seconds faster for everyone? a better surface to run on?
Wes, this doesn't really have to do with USC, but I have wondered this for awhile and dont know how to email you or contact you directly, Lately I have been thinking, because I would love for the Raiders to draft a stud DT at #7 to play along side Tommy Kelly and help stop the run, but Im just not convinced Raji is the guy. Most fans that talk about him act as if he is a stud 2 gapper NT with pass rushing ability and I just dont see it, though I WANT to want Raji. Honestly he reminds me of this guy without a beard
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2910033682_4d14e6592b.jpg?v=0
Wes your the man keep it up.
"My Boy" being CM3 who is now one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft
But good job predicting this one.
What about the rumor that both Mathews and Cushing tested positive for steroids at the combine?
I didn't want the Pats to touch Matthews or Cushing before, now I definitely don't after seeing that rumor make the rounds. Something never seemed right about those guys. Steroids would not surprise me at all, especially with Matthews, who put on size rapidly. Cushing's injury history fits the profile too. No thanks to either guy.
Great job again, Wes.
Does Maualuga have a short shuttle time yet? I can't find one from his pro day.
You idiots making up your own rumors now? Those posts should be deleted.
WOW, the idiots are here tonite. Some nobody posts a total lie about two football players they have never met and know nothing about (except they shut down his team, Penn. St.) and then guys like Richter take it as fact!
Hey Carl, maybe you could try some reading comprehension. I said I don't like a rumor like that going around, because where there's smoke, there's often fire, and that it being true wouldn't surprise me. I didn't take anything as fact. The fact is, I don't think either guy will be a good NFL player, especially Cushing, who's skills won't translate to the pros as a pass rusher, steroids or not.
Oh yeah, and if they're clean, why has there been no denials, just threats to take the report down? Would sure help if either guy came out and said "no, I didn't take steroids", instead of having their mouthpieces blather about the situation without issuing a denial.
And you Carl, are a......somebody? Ok, well I would like to point out that it was a question and I also put the word rumor. And I did not make it up as it was reported on SI. Penn St? What gave you the idea I was a Penn St fan, so who is the idiot?
how did Hershel Dennis do?
In 2005, Matthews was listed at 230 lbs. Most have used brand B roids to pack on the next 15 lbs over the next four years. Cushing hit the scale at 235 in 2005!
How come David Bhuller is not named??? As a kicker, he did 25 benchpress reps and he kicks the ball a country mile. he deserves more credit and attention.
Hey Richterless,
You were totally wrong and you need to retract your rumor spreading accusations about CM3 and Cushing being on steroids. You should be on probation for this crap. It is guys like you that make some of these players lose money for no reason, but to fuel your own ego!
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Apr 02, 2009
12:17 PM
On tape who makes more plays, Cushing or Matthews? Case closed, I don't care who looks better in pad-less drills.