2009 NFL Draft Preview: Brian Cushing, LB

Brian Cushing is entering the 2009 NFL Draft as the 24^th overall ranked NFL prospect and third ranked at his position. He is almost 6' 3" at 255 lbs and runs the 40 in 4.70 seconds. Cushing played for USC for four years, although he spent the majority of his Freshman year injured. He also brings decent strength with pulling off 30 repetitions of the bench press (225 lbs) at the NFL combine. Cushing is assessed to have a great combination of speed, size, and good football instincts to complement his natural athleticism.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - Brian Cushing Scouting Report

2009 NFL Draft Preview - LB - Brian Cushing - Pros

Brian Cushing is assessed as being one of the best linebacker prospects in the 2009 draft. He has both size and athleticism that matchup well with the number of schemes he will run up against in the NFL. He has shown outstanding ability against both the run and passing game while playing at USC. His size and overall strength will help him excel against the running game early in his NFL career where other linebacker prospects may need a year or two of seasoning before building up enough strength to compete at the NFL level.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - LB - Brian Cushing - Cons

The only weakness that Brian Cushing demonstrated in college was a lack of durability during his college years. He lost a lot of time in his freshman season due to a shoulder injury and the same during his junior year with an ankle injury. If Cushing hadn't had these problems, he very well could be ranked higher in the 2009 NFL draft. He does pose some risk for any team that drafts him to make an impact sooner rather than later.

2009 NFL Draft Preview - LB - Brian Cushing - Overall

Brian Cushing has the ability to make the Pro Bowl a regular appearance in the NFL. If he can continue remaining healthy, then he is going to be a great pick for whichever team takes him. The latest he should last in the draft is until New England picks in the later portion of the first round. Don't be surprised to see Houston or Denver take him earlier in the round though.

References:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24453&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfldraft%2fdraft%2ftracker%2fplayer%3fdraftyear%3d2009%26id%3d24453

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1657

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/prospects/brian_cushing.html

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/nflmockdraft.html