Scouting The Draft: Brian Cushing & Clay Matthews
by Matty I on Mar 10, 2009 12:15 AM EDT
in 2012 Miami Dolphins News
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Chad Henne might be hoping that Cushing lands in Miami.
It's time to begin what I hope will be just the beginning of our unique scouting reports. Why are they unique? Because they come from fellow bloggers (a.k.a. fans of the team), meaning the people writing them have likely seen every single snap that their particular player has taken at the college level - something even the so-called "draft experts" likely can't say. Hopefully, we can get a chance to highlight various potential Dolphin draft picks - especially potential 1st round targets.
We'll begin our scouting reports with two players - both linebackers from USC.
Brian Cushing
Height: 6'2 7/8" / Weight: 243
40: 4.74 / Vertical: 35" / Broad: 10'4" / Shuttle: 4.22
Below is what Conquest Chronicles - SBN's USC blog - has to say about Cushing:
Brian Cushing plays the SLB position, but he is able to play MLB. He is fast with great instincts. He has also played the "elephant" position at SC where he is lined up as a defensive end. He can play inside or outside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme.
Cushing is an aggressive, intense player that does a great job of bringing his body through the ball carrier on tackles and has an intimidation factor
Cushing identifies the play quickly and is not easily fooled by misdirection plays…he stays at home. He can get penetration even when going up against a Tight end. He is a full speed, downhill player who can change direction quickly while also being able to go sideline to sideline with the uncanny ability to open field tackles for his size. Though there have been times when he has taken himself out the play
He is seen to do well in avoiding blocks and his aggressiveness comes out when taking on blockers but he does need to work on shedding blockers. He can drop back into coverage fairly effectively but he can get caught short in certain coverage schemes.
He has had some injury issues as he missed half the 2005 season with a shoulder injury. Missed most of 2007 with an ankle injury.
Matthews points out his next victim. I think I saw Tom Brady up there.
Clay Matthews
Height: 6'3 1/8" / Weight: 240
40: 4.67 / Vertical: 35.5" / Broad: 10'1" / Shuttle: 4.18
And again, below is what Conquest Chronicles has to say about Matthews:
Clay Matthews has been the biggest surprise this season. Matthews is a former walk-on who was under the radar at the start of his senior season. He got his start on special teams in freshman season and he took off from there. He comes from a solid football tree where his father (Clay Jr.), grandfather (Clay Sr.) and uncle (Bruce) all played in the NFL.
Mathews is in that "high speed, low drag" style of play where he just continues to move. He is a tough, versatile player that can play either outside LB or DE. His ability on special teams is very impressive, as he makes impact plays and always finds the ball carrier. He can play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Because of his great range and instincts he can play all 3 LB positions.
He is disruptive on the ends and makes a lot of plays in the backfield. Very opportunistic and always around the ball. He too can be too aggressive at times and will have match-up problems in coverage. Less than stellar hands/ball skills. Because of his speed he is a great blitzer but he will try run around blocks instead of through them.
A big thanks to Conquest Chronicles for helping us out with those scouting reports.
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we cant go wrong with either one
"How can I blame you
When it's me I can't forgive?"
-From the Unforgiven III off of Death Magnetic
Gimme Mathews
seems to have his fathers intensity and toughness, and if he has the legendary durability of his father and uncle, he is made for the NFL. I see him moving inside in the NFL where he can make more plays, and use that toughness and intensity to control the middle of the field. I would love to see him next to Crowder!
Last man standing for the record breaking "CKC Luncheon aka This Place is Ridiculous 2 days ago by Little Nicky 21"---1073 latest 2 days ago by uncle finster
"are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite"
-Mr Blonde-
Creator of the(pie in the sky) trade our 1st pick one of our 2cd rounders and two of our 7th rounders and "draft B. J. Raji" bandwagon
On board Matty I's Besswagon
On board Phnisider Brandwagon
Bandwagon
As the creator of the draft Clay Matthews Jr bandwagon, I am very much hoping that we draft Clay Matthews Jr. I like everything I read above, and think he would be a great fit for the defense combining versatility and skill
Creator of the 'Draft Clay Matthews Jr.' bandwagon.
"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." - John Maynard Keynes
by Patrick Bateman79 on Mar 10, 2009 8:55 AM EDT reply actions
One thing where Matthews gets me nervous
He was a 165 lb walk on four years ago, he is now 240… Thats excellent and could be a testament to his hard work and determination. However it could have something to do with steroids or other growth hormones, the one thing that keeps me from that is his blood line of his daddy grand daddy and uncle, I don’t think they would let him do that, and their ability to play 100 years in the NFL can hopefully translate to him. Although to play the devil, he may be using something to not to let his family down and live up to the name.
I like the kid, thought he would be a great player, just bringing up a point to debate. By no means do I hope this is the case, nor do I have any proof of it, just a what if post to bring up some debate.
The Patriots Suck
I prefer
Clay Matthews out of these 2 (yes i would like to have the other USC LB), speed advantage and it doesn’t look like he has the injury bug that Cushing might have.
Miami Dolphins 2008 AFC East Divison Champions
Matthews has the most upside
But I ger a little nervous with one year starters and he has played with a good surrounding cast but I would take him over Cushing like I said he has the upside and Cushing has duribility issues
Ahhhh Ta Ta Ta Ta Bye Bye Foy518
Mathews All the Way....
I wanted to say something when I saw his college clips. In those, he reminds me, he looks like, a big Zach Thomas at the pro level.
I know it’s almost sacrilege to say it, but look at his clips. He’s everywhere the ball is, or disrupting the play.
Will his likeness at the college level translate to the next level? I think so. He will be an upgrade over Roth at outside. And inside?, I don’t know, but prolly better ther too.
I like him or James Laurenitus, but I don’t think James wil be there at 25.
Cushing looks to be much more versatile
and would probably fit our scheme better because of his ability to play inside and out. Dropping into coverage can be taught and perfected, so I’m not real worried about that. That’s a skill that many linebackers come into the league lacking, simply because they didn’t do it much in college.
Overall, I like Cushing better because I think he can play next to Crowder inside, bump outside to Roth’s spot, or move the weakside and rush the passer if needed. I may as well put this in my sig since I say it so much, but versatility is a huge bonus.
Saying all this, If Cushing was gone when our pick comes up, I’d be perfectly happy with Matthews as well. Pedigree counts for something, and you know he’s gonna come in with an NFL-ready head and an outta this world work-ethic.
"Are we doing this? Is this happening?"
'08-'09 Mercury Morris Frontpage Frontrunner Award Winner
'08-'09 Brandon London Bandwagon Award Winner
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 10, 2009 1:05 PM EDT reply actions
2008 Stat lines
|————Tackles————| |-Sacks-| |—-Pass Def—-| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS GP Solo Ast Total TFL/Yds No-Yds Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds FF Kick Saf
————————————————————————————————————————————————
10 Cushing, Brian 13 46 27 73 10.5-50 3.0-22 1-0 6 1 . 1 . .
47 Matthews, Clay 13 28 28 56 9.0-59 4.5-42 . 2 . 2-0 2 1 .
Cushing had the edge in solo tackles and passes defensed, but Matthews had the edge in terms of Sacks, Forced Fumbles and Blocked Kicks.
Creator of the 'Draft Clay Matthews Jr.' bandwagon.
"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." - John Maynard Keynes
by Patrick Bateman79 on Mar 10, 2009 1:08 PM EDT reply actions
If I had to Choose...
I would take Clay’s stats — sacks, fumbles and blocking kicks are game changing.
The more I see of this Clay dude, the more I want our team to take him.
Re: If I had to choose...
Hop on the Clay Matthews Jr Bandwagon. Plenty of room for everyone!
Creator of the 'Draft Clay Matthews Jr.' bandwagon.
"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." - John Maynard Keynes
by Patrick Bateman79 on Mar 10, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
One night
As the driver, I figured I should note that this bandwagon is more in a relaxed cruising mode. We know this is the right pick for the team. We know that all those on the street can’t help buy stop and gawk at the Clay Matthews Jr. bandwagon. It really is a head turner.
Creator of the 'Draft Clay Matthews Jr.' bandwagon.
"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." - John Maynard Keynes
by Patrick Bateman79 on Mar 10, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Correction
Meant: one point, not one night. Weird.
Creator of the 'Draft Clay Matthews Jr.' bandwagon.
"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent." - John Maynard Keynes
by Patrick Bateman79 on Mar 10, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
In the USC games I watched..
and I watched more than a few, I thought Maualuga was the best player on the field. That being said, I also thought that Matthews made a lot of plays. When talk on this site turned to Cushing I had to look to see what team he was on. I just don’t remember Cushing making that many plays on field.
I think Matthews is a playmaker. Something this defense needs. So I am now on the bandwagon.
LMAO
He can get penetration even when going up against a Tight end.
i could not stop laughing when i read this…this is the ultimate “thats what she said”
"eh, your a cool dude regardless of who you love" -cbdolphin talking about Little Nicky 21
-No excuses, No explanations
by MiamihastheDolphins.... on Mar 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions
LMAO!!
Last man standing for the record breaking "CKC Luncheon aka This Place is Ridiculous 2 days ago by Little Nicky 21"---1073 latest 2 days ago by uncle finster
are you gonna bark all day little doggie, or are you gonna bite" -Mr Blonde-
"Creator of the(pie in the sky) trade our 1st one of our 2nds and two of our 7th rounders and "draft B. J. Raji" bandwagon On board Matty I's Besswagon On board Phnisider Brandwagon
by uncle finster on Mar 10, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
who is matthews? lol + other thoughts
I like Cushing and Maualuga! But i really wanted to pose a question and get some feedback from the board…youth is good – in fact i think youth is great but what about having some HOF bound experience in the mix. I’ve just been thinking about one of the championship teams of the Lakers…what do you all think about adding Harrison, Brooks, Pace and bringing back Taylor at a reduced price (lets say 1-2 mill a yr for 1-2 yrs) and using them in alternate situations (3rd wideout, 3 downs, etc…)? just a thought… please somebody help clear up my thinking about this.,,,
Here's my opinion on the aging, just been cut veterans.
Harrison – We’re trying to develop our young WR’s, possibly adding another young WR in the draft, so signing Harrison will only take playtime away from one of the young guys. Personally, I want to see Ginn, Bess, London, Camarillo, and the hypothetical rookie on the field earning valuable experience. We’re still in rebuilding mode, and looking to make this team competitive for a long period of time, and bringing in Marvin doesn’t get you any closer to that goal.
Brooks – He is a 4-3 Cover 2 LB. He doesn’t fit our 3-4 scheme at all. And at 6’0, 235, he’s too small to play the Inside or Strongside LB, and we already have a veteran and a young guy at the Rush LB position (Porter and Wake). Porter has championship experience, and is a seasoned vet at the LB position, so there’s absolutely no need for another one.
Pace – We have two of the best OT’s at their respective positions in the league right now. Long is fast on his way to being a top 5 LT, if he isn’t already. Carey is one of the best RT’s in the league, and the Trifecta feels the same way, evidenced by the bigtime contract they just gave him. We need some depth at the OT spot, but that will come through the draft. We want guys who are young and will be here for a while, so they can build the chemistry and continuity that you need on the OL (even the backups). Pace only has maybe 1 year left, then we still have the depth issue going into the following season.
Taylor – He left on pretty bad terms with Parcells, so I don’t even think it would be an option. The reason he got cut from Washington is (besides his contract) he refused to stay in Washington and participate in the offseason workouts. That probably wouldn’t be a problem here, because his issue was being close to his family down here in Miami, but I really think he’s just focusing on other things besides football. I remember last season when he wouldn’t commit to play more than a year with a new team. As much as I love JT, his heart just doesn’t seem to be in it anymore. That and he would either clog up the chart at the Rush LB, or take PT from Roth on the Strongside. This regime likes Roth, and I think they want to see what he’s got in year 2 in the 3-4.
BTW Matthews was the WILL backer in USC’s 4-3 last year, and, along with Rey Rey and Cushing, is a first round talent. The only negative with him is he’s pretty much confined to one position in the 3-4 (Rush backer) while Rey Rey can play either ILB spot, and Cushing most likely can play all 4.
Winner of Three 2008/2009 Matty Awards
"Are We Doing This?"
by Little Nicky 21 on Mar 12, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
A Trojan Alumni who must voice his opinion...
First off, I need to start this off by saying, Brian Cushing takes performace enhancing drugs. It’s a fact, and i know the guy that sells to him. He started taking them to rehabilitate and build himself back up quicker, and still takes them.
Despite that, it seemed that Cush was always either hurt or questionable. While in the game, he was a gem, but his durability always hung in the air. As someone mentioned above, without a doubt Ray Maualuga was the playmaker on that defense, with Mr. Mays right there next to him. Watch, barring injury, T. Mays will be a top 10 pick in next years draft.
Anyways, Clay Matthews has a work ethic next to none. To arrive at USC as a walk-on weighing 165 pounds, and three years later become a starting playmaker on possibly the best collegiate defense of all time, says a lot about who this guy is and what he’s about. I’m not sure if you guys follow college football, or USC, but each and every year, this team is pulling in at least five 5 star recruits, and 10+ 4 star recruits from all over the country, one of those being Cush. For Clay to achieve what he did with that kind of competition speaks volumes.
Cush did play the elephant position, which shows his versatility. He also is more of an athlete than Clay, which can be seen in Cush’s hands. But when it comes down to it, I think you need to pick a player that has the heart. Cush is a great player and a great athlete, but often times he would disappear, especially last season. He wasn’t there to make the big plays. It was Ray-Ray who stepped it up in the 2008 rose bowl and won MVP, it was Ray that picked of Ohio State’s qb and took it to the house. Two years ago, Cush was going to be the star, the anchor of the SC defense, but look what has transpired, it became Ray’s defense. Personally, I think that says a lot. This also allowed Clay’s ability to come forth. Bottom line, as a Trojan Alumni and a Dolphins fan, I think you have to go with Clay. You can’t teach what he has, and that’s a work ethic second to none on last years team. And while Cush does offer a little more veratility, I think Clay is a better fit. The Trifecta would be lucky to grab Clay.
wow
if cush takes performace enhancing drugs I want nothing to do with him, I have always wanted clay to be there at 25 and he be our guy for the exact reasons you state but with that said I would love if for some dumb reason Ray slips to 25 :)
25th pick - Clay Mathews LB USC
44th pick - Alphonso Smith cb Wake Forest
56th pick - Clint Sintim LB Virginia
86th pick - Fili Moala DT USC
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