Brian Cushing
NFL Draft Scouting Report

Outside Linebacker

USC


College Position: Outside Linebacker
School: USC
Grade: Senior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 245
Birthdate:
Draft Projection: Mid First
Overall Rank: 13
NFL Draft Position (Rank): 3-4 Linebacker (2)
Outside Linebacker (1)

Draft Result

Drafted in the 2009 Draft by the Houston Texans in the 1st round with the #15 pick.
Brian Cushing is an excellent fit for the Texans at SLB and will be a strong physical presence on the defense. The Texans are putting together a top defense with playmakers at every level.

Mock Draft Results

Strengths

A%20three%20year%20starter%20for%20Southern%20Cal%20with%20experience%20playing%20as%20DE%20and%20OLB.%20Versatilie%20athlete%20who%20can%20play%20inside%20or%20outside.%20%20Has%20good%20size%20and%20athleticism.%20Above%20average%20speed.%20%20Excellent%20awareness%20and%20anticipation.%20Strong%20blitzer%20with%20a%20wide%20array%20of%20pass%20rush%20moves.%20Best%20position%20may%20a%203-4%20OLB.%20%20In%20a%204-3%20he%20will%20fit%20best%20as%20a%20strong%20side%20backer.%20%20An%20natural%20football%20player.%20%20

Weaknesses

Had%20some%20injury%20issues%20during%20his%20career.%20Had%20problems%20with%20knee%20and%20hamstring%20last%20season.%20Still%20learning%20how%20to%20play%20the%20run%20as%20a%20linebacker.%20%20Not%20esp.%20comfortable%20in%20coverage.%20%20%20Will%20Cushing%20be%20penciled%20in%20a%20%203-4%20player%20only%3F%20%20His%20versatility%20does%20leave%20one%20wondering%20if%20he%20has%20a%20true%20position.%20%20His%20skills%20may%20translate%20best%20as%20a%20defensive%20end%20but%20has%20a%20linebackers%20body.

News

NFL Power Rankings: A New Season Is Upon Us - Jun 10 (Doug Lancy)
2009 NFL Draft Report Card: AFC South - May 5 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Draft Grades (Chris' Take) - Apr 29 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Draft: 7 Stories To Watch - Apr 24 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Scouting Combine Buzz: Day Three - DT, DE, LB - Feb 23 (Chris Maier)
2009 Senior Bowl Recap - Defense: Studs and Duds - Jan 29 (Chris Maier)
2009 Senior Bowl Preview: Who and What to Watch - Jan 18 (Chris Maier)
2009 Senior Bowl Rosters: South - Jan 18 (Chris Maier)
Pre-Bowl Game 2009 NFL Mock Draft (2 Rounds) - Dec 12 (Chris Maier)
Updated Mock Draft! - Nov 20 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-Season Edition - Oct 23 (Chris Maier)
2009 NFL Mock Draft (Early Season version) - Sep 22 (Dan Wernery)
The Seven Step Drop: USC Rolls While Pac 10 Stumbles - Sep 17 (Chris Maier)
2009 Draft: Top 10 LB Prospects - Jul 20 (Dan Wernery)
2009 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Season version) - Jul 13 (Chris Maier)
Dan Wernery's First 2009 Mock Draft - May 21 (Dan Wernery)