2009 NFL Draft Prospects:
Brian Cushing Profile

Strengths: Prototypical size with amazing strength … Sideline-to-sideline range … Great measurables and should be a combine warrior … Nice acceleration off the snap … Tenacious attitude with a “lunch pail” mentality … Sound technique in tackling … If he can�t get to the quarterback for a hurry or sack, he does a good job of getting his hands up to deflect passes … Can take on blockers, stack, and shed … Solid versatility at 4-3 SAM and 3-4 OLB.

Weaknesses: Is not the sack artist most evaluators make him out to be, but he has potential if he enhances his pass rush repertoire … Tampa 2 fit at WILL is debatable because he has somewhat sluggish hips in zone coverage … Does not always play up to his measurables … Needs to be more of a playmaker.

Summary: Cushing is a really talented prospect, but simply needs to make more plays at the next level. I could see him become a star, I could also see him bust, which in my mind makes him a “Boom or Bust” prospect. I really can�t definitively say how good I think Cushing will be in the league. His stock should rise during the Senior Bowl and Combine because he is built like Adonis.

Player Comparison: A.J. Hawk. Hawk was viewed as a do-it-all prospect with outstanding measurables who could play weakside linebacker. He hasn�t lived up to the hype, but might be an outstanding player if the Packers moved him to SAM. Cushing and Hawk have similar builds and bring similar attitudes to the football field.





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