Brian Cushing

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Offense: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C
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Top Overall Draft Prospects

2009 NFL Mock Draft

Height: 6-3
Weight: 255
40-YD: 4.70

School: USC
Year: Senior

USC linebacker Brian Cushing has a good combination of size, speed, and instincts to go along with a ton of natural athleticism. He's a solid textbook tackler with good-but-not-outstanding blitzing ability. He's also a smart player who rarely misses an assignment.

Cushing played everywhere from defensive end to inside linebacker to outside linebacker in his time at USC, so he has some versatility. He plays sideline to sideline, takes good angles, moves well in traffic, and does a decent job getting off blocks. He also has the speed and closing burst to run down ball carriers from behind.

A fluid athlete who does a good job dropping back into coverage, Cushing could probably play either outside linebacker position, but might be a little better fit on the strong side because of his coverage skills.

He's very productive when he is on the field, but he has had some injury concerns that might drive down his stock a little. Motivation isn't a factor however. The guy is a workout warrior and works just as hard on the football field as he does in the weight room.

Cushing should be selected somewhere in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.