For this season at least, the University of Southern California should be known as Linebacker U.

That title has traditionally been worn by Penn State University, but given that the Trojans will most likely have all three of their starting ’backers taken in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, it’s clear that an exception needs to be made.

Perhaps the least heralded of the trio is Brian Cushing, a 6-3, 250-pounder who has stayed somewhat in the shadow of the better-known Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga. Cushing is no secret to NFL scouts, however. In fact, there is a school of thought among draft experts that it is Cushing who, of the three, may end up having the most successful NFL career.

The reasoning behind this thinking is due to a few things. For one, Cushing’s intensity level is unmatched. He was called a bulldog by both USC Head Coach Pete Carroll and linebackers coach Ken Norton, Jr. He plays the entire game at one speed – full speed – and can wreak absolute havoc on offenses due to his relentless motor and game-changing playmaking ability.

Another reason for the scouts’ love affair with Cushing is the New Jersey native’s versatility. He is capable of playing any linebacker position, both on the inside and on the outside – an asset that makes him capable of fitting in with any defensive scheme.

Lastly, teams can’t get enough of Cushing’s athleticism. He was actually recruited out of high school as a strong safety, but his work in the weight room led to such a dramatic weight gain that he grew into the linebacker position. Despite packing on the extra muscle, Cushing has managed to maintain the quickness and speed he displayed as a defensive back prospect.

As with every potential draftee, Cushing has a few question marks surrounding him. One is that he and the rest of his USC teammates look better on tape because they all have played with such a strong supporting cast. Critics claim that if they did not have each other, they would be less impressive individually as prospects. A more serious concern is one that has dogged him since high school, and that is the issue of steroids. Despite never having failed a single drug test, Cushing has had to consistently endure claims that he uses steroids, including a recently surfaced report that was categorically denied by Cushing’s handlers and coaches.

Read the rest of this entry »

According to a report by the National Football Post, the Falcons have set their eyes on free agent L.J. Smith (Eagles), who became the best tight end on the market after the Titans placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Bo Scaife.

The Falcons brought in several run-blocking tight ends last offseason, but need to give quarterback Matt Ryan a better pass-catching target at the position. Smith has been unable to stay healthy the past two years, but he certainly has the size, speed and hands to upgrade the tight end spot and as long as the Falcons don’t overpay, he could be a quality signing.

One notion surrounding Atlanta’s interest in Smith is that Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew, who is arguably the best tight end prospect in the draft and a player many mocks have the Falcons taking at No. 24, hurt his stock when he only ran a 4.8-forty at the scouting combine. But the more realistic idea is that the Falcons want to shore up their need for a pass-catching tight end before the draft, so then in April they can turn their sole attention to the multiple holes they have on defense.