Draft Rewind 2009 - Brian Cushing - Houston Texans

What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about BRIAN CUSHING: Southern Cal, 6027 243 4.65. Three-year starter. Also started four games as a true freshman in 2005. Talented, instinctive three down linebacker that is injury prone. Missed time as a high school senior with an ankle sprain. Dislocated his shoulder and had surgery spring of his sophomore year at USC. Missed the spring of 2007 with a strained hamstring. Had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after spring practice. Sprained his left ankle and missed Nebraska and Washington State games, sprained his left ankle again and missed three games. That being said, he is very active and aware in the passing game by getting in the throwing lane. Flashes ability as an edge pass rusher. Talented, aggressive, and competitive player. Shows good explosion. Attacks blocker with good leverage and knee bend but is inconsistent leading with his hands. Quick in initial reactions and filling gaps. Gets downhill in a hurry and plays the backside cutback well. Takes good angles in pursuit and shows speed to close. Can get caught on the wrong side of a block. Good ability to get through the wash and find the ball. Shows some pass rush skills with a burst to close. Does a good job playing over a tight end with a solid jam and the ability to work through a zone block. Jams tight end well off the line and has the speed to cover man to man. Has some trouble with backs in space, but shows good zone awareness and a good break on the ball. Takes good drops with good range in coverage. Overall a solid prospect with good size, speed, and a high motor. Would make a solid Sam linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. OSR:4/34. First round. (A-32 1/2, H-10, BP-30, SS-4.22).