McShay's Mock Draft

[jppaul]

McShay's Mock Draft has us taking:

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Cushing is a gifted athlete with a reckless approach. He flies around looking to make the big hit, and he also provides a lot of versatility in the passing game. He could eventually develop into an upgrade over Zac Diles at SAM linebacker, and initially he could help boost a pass rush that ranked 27th in the league last season with 25 sacks.

That's an idea I had seen tossed around a bit by Roy and Barrett. As I have already said I am for it.

46. William Moore S Missouri

That would be a pretty good draft IMO. You just hope that Moore reverts back to his Junior level of play instead of his senior level of play.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft...odd&id=3878507

You can only access if you are an insider.

[TrickyTexan]

everybody is down on Moore but I would be extatic with this draft scneario. Think our D would be receving an instant upgrade. This league is now predicated on playmaker athletes on defense which both of these players are.

[TexanJedi]

Moore in round 1 - boo!
Moore in round 2 - yay!

Watching how the Cardinals used Adrian Wilson in the Superbowl had me thinking who the Texans had that they could use in the same way. No one comes to mind, but maybe Moore could be that guy, a bigger safety that can play closer to the line of scrimmage.

Depending on who else is there, I would be fine with Cushing and if the draft fell this way we would at least be adding two nice pieces to the defense.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by TexanJedi

Moore in round 1 - boo!
Moore in round 2 - yay!

Watching how the Cardinals used Adrian Wilson in the Superbowl had me thinking who the Texans had that they could use in the same way. No one comes to mind, but maybe Moore could be that guy, a bigger safety that can play closer to the line of scrimmage.

Depending on who else is there, I would be fine with Cushing and if the draft fell this way we would at least be adding two nice pieces to the defense.

My opinion of Moore has gone from a guy I thought could be a ballhawk in coverage to more of the same that we already have. Good in run support, not so good in coverage. I'd be happy to have him especially in the second. There's a reason he was so highly rated at one time.

[painekiller]

I was one of the first to beat the drum for Moore over a year ago, but I now want nothing to do with him, not even in the 3rd. I cannot get a read on the kid and I am worried it's not just the injuries that have him off this season. And I am not willing to risk a pick on this big of falloff

[mussop]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I was one of the first to beat the drum for Moore over a year ago, but I now want nothing to do with him, not even in the 3rd. I cannot get a read on the kid and I am worried it's not just the injuries that have him off this season. And I am not willing to risk a pick on this big of falloff

I agree with this. Not even in the third. I would be unhappy with Cushing as well. I would rather we go after safer picks even if they are not neccesarilly our greatest need. For example I would take Alex Mack or LeSean McCoy over Cushing.

[Fonz the Boss]

Why would Cushing be an upgrade over Diles?!.... I thought Zac was having a great season beforehe got injured. He was playing better than Ryans before he got hurt. Diles is still young and can get way better.... Man, did anybody watch how he filled a gap against the Vikings and stuffed Adrian Peterson with no remorse?!! I WANT ZAC AS STARTER AFTER HE COMES BACK FROM HIS INJURY!!!!!

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by mussop

I agree with this. Not even in the third. I would be unhappy with Cushing as well. I would rather we go after safer picks even if they are not neccesarilly our greatest need. For example I would take Alex Mack or LeSean McCoy over Cushing.

I like Alex Mack but not a chance that I take him over Cushing, and certainly not McCoy.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by jppaul

I like Alex Mack but not a chance that I take him over Cushing, and certainly not McCoy.

I wouldnt. In fact I would take any of

LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Alex Mack, C, California
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Peria Jerry DT 6-2, 290 Mississippi
Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forest

over Cushing.

[jppaul]

Yeah, we are on different pages.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by jppaul

Yeah, we are on different pages.

When I watched USC Cushing never stood out to me. Every player I listed did impress at some point. I jsut dont see the fascination with this guy. Not to mention steroid allegations that WILL come up. He jsut isnt worth the 15 pick IMO.

For those out there that say hes versitale. Dont give me this bull about him being able to play DE end for us either. Just because he played a little DE in college doesnt mean hell be able to do it in the NFL. Look up his stats while he played DE. Not very impressive at all. He is overrated because he played on a great defense. Just my opinion.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by mussop

When I watched USC Cushing never stood out to me. Every player I listed did impress at some point. I jsut dont see the fascination with this guy. Not to mention steroid allegations that WILL come up. He jsut isnt worth the 15 pick IMO.

For those out there that say hes versitale. Dont give me this bull about him being able to play DE end for us either. Just because he played a little DE in college doesnt mean hell be able to do it in the NFL. Look up his stats while he played DE. Not very impressive at all. He is overrated because he played on a great defense. Just my opinion.

But you did endorse James Laurinaitis ?
Sorry to offend the PC posters among us, but because they are both white I tend to lump them in together .i.e., no soul and dubious quick-twitch ?
And Laurinaitis is also listed as primarily an IL while Cushing can play the middle or a 4-3 WIL or SAM ( allegedly).
Compare the 2 ?

[NBT]

I agree with Mussop.

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by mussop

When I watched USC Cushing never stood out to me. Every player I listed did impress at some point. I jsut dont see the fascination with this guy. Not to mention steroid allegations that WILL come up. He jsut isnt worth the 15 pick IMO.

For those out there that say hes versitale. Dont give me this bull about him being able to play DE end for us either. Just because he played a little DE in college doesnt mean hell be able to do it in the NFL. Look up his stats while he played DE. Not very impressive at all. He is overrated because he played on a great defense. Just my opinion.

Thats fine he stood out to me pretty clearly, actually seems pretty dynamic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXJt9hrRbMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH29N...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cur4TwJcTaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_vtD...eature=related

THis is what we need on this team, certainly more than Knowshon Moreno, LaSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, or Brandon Pettigrew. I like all those players, but not for us in the first round at 15.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

But you did endorse James Laurinaitis ?
Sorry to offend the PC posters among us, but because they are both white I tend to lump them in together .i.e., no soul and dubious quick-twitch ?
And Laurinaitis is also listed as primarily an IL while Cushing can play the middle or a 4-3 WIL or SAM ( allegedly).
Compare the 2 ?

I wasnt really endorsing Laurinitus, more like throwing his name out there because he is highly rated, (could) play a position of need and I hadnt heard anyone mention his name as a possibility. I believe there are alot posters here that know there stuff and wanted to hear thier thoughts about him as a potential prospect.

However if it came down between the 2 and I had to pick 1 it would be Lauren. I will gladly explain why after i get back if you are interested.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by jppaul

Thats fine he stood out to me pretty clearly, actually seems pretty dynamic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXJt9hrRbMg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH29N...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cur4TwJcTaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_vtD...eature=related

THis is what we need on this team, certainly more than Knowshon Moreno, LaSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, or Brandon Pettigrew. I like all those players, but not for us in the first round at 15.

If that impresses you then check tis out. Jarron Gilbert Hes 6'5" 280

I really dont want any of them at 15. I want a trade down. 15 Is to high for a guy with as many ? marks as Cushing. Like this -

Notes:
Could project inside or outside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme...Was a highly-regarded recruit coming out of high school...Only started 16 games his first three years at Southern Cal...Missed nearly half of his freshman season with a shoulder injury and was held out of some of the following seasons spring drills while recuperating...Sat out most of spring practice in 2007 with a strained hamstring then had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee...Also missed extensive action during the 2007 season with an ankle injury...Broke a bone in his right hand in 2008 and played with a cast but didn't miss any games...Has played defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker for the Trojans...Manufactured athlete who should test well but isn't that impressive on film and often looks like a defensive end in a linebacker's body...Is overrated as a pro prospect but has the talent to start at the next level if he can somehow find a way to stay healthy.

and this LINK

and this - Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SK PBU INT
Totls 44 178 27.0 8.5 12 1 Cushing

Totls 51 375 24.5 13.0 7 9 Laurinitus

1 Interception in 4 years?????? 8.5 Sacks in 4 years???????? Sorry this guy isnt worth the 15th pick. No highlights are going to make me think any different.

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by mussop

If that impresses you then check tis out. Jarron Gilbert Hes 6'5" 280

I really dont want any of them at 15. I want a trade down. 15 Is to high for a guy with as many ? marks as Cushing. Like this -

Notes:
Could project inside or outside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme...Was a highly-regarded recruit coming out of high school...Only started 16 games his first three years at Southern Cal...Missed nearly half of his freshman season with a shoulder injury and was held out of some of the following seasons spring drills while recuperating...Sat out most of spring practice in 2007 with a strained hamstring then had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee...Also missed extensive action during the 2007 season with an ankle injury...Broke a bone in his right hand in 2008 and played with a cast but didn't miss any games...Has played defensive end, outside linebacker and inside linebacker for the Trojans...Manufactured athlete who should test well but isn't that impressive on film and often looks like a defensive end in a linebacker's body...Is overrated as a pro prospect but has the talent to start at the next level if he can somehow find a way to stay healthy.

and this LINK

and this - Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SK PBU INT
Totls 44 178 27.0 8.5 12 1 Cushing

Totls 51 375 24.5 13.0 7 9 Laurinitus

1 Interception in 4 years?????? 8.5 Sacks in 4 years???????? Sorry this guy isnt worth the 15th pick. No highlights are going to make me think any different.

You can make stats say anything. HOw about 13.5 tfl in one year? As far as notes:


Overall Football Traits
Production 3
2005: Despite missing half the season with an injury, (See durability) appeared in eight games (four starts) recording 23 total tackles. 2006: Started all 13 games recording 57 tackles and a team-best 13.5 tackles-for-loss. 2007: Appeared in 10 games (eight starts) recording 25 total tackles including 2 ½ for losses.
Height-Weight-Speed 1
Possesses a very good combination of height, bulk, and overall speed
Durability 4
Durability is a concern, as he missed nearly half the 2005 season with a shoulder injury. Also missed three games in 2007 due to a sprained ankle
Character 0 N/A

Outside Linebacker specific Traits
Instincts/Recognition 1
Shows good instincts. Seems to play a step ahead of everyone else, as he locates and gets to it extremely fast. Recognizes play action quickly and does a nice job of staying home against misdirection
Pursuit/Point of Attack 2
Plays at the Sam linebacker position and is very stout when lined up over tight ends. Down-hill and aggressive player. Is loose in the hips and changes directions extremely well. Displays sideline-to-sideline range and does a good job of avoiding blocks without taking himself out of the play when in pursuit. Needs to improve ability to shed blocks quickly
Tackling 2
An impact tackler. Strong hands help him wrap up and bring down carriers. Also does a solid job of breaking down and making open field tackles
Pass Coverage 2
Shows outstanding awareness in coverage and does a sound job of looking up receivers. Reads the quarterback's eyes well and makes quick break on the ball. Has some stiffness in his hips and will be limited in certain man-to-man matchups, as a result. But when in position he displays good overall ball skills making the play given the opportunity. (see California 2007 1st quarter)
Pass Rusher 2
Shows quickness and power off the edge along with ability to close quickly. Also times stunts through the A and B gaps well. By comparison, in this rating Brian Orakpo scored a 2 also as a passrusher, while fellow Projected OLB Larry English is rated as a 3.

Sounds like we are talking about two very different individuals, does it not?

[mussop]

Originally Posted by jppaul

You can make stats say anything. HOw about 13.5 tfl in one year? As far as notes:


Overall Football Traits
Production 3
2005: Despite missing half the season with an injury, (See durability) appeared in eight games (four starts) recording 23 total tackles. 2006: Started all 13 games recording 57 tackles and a team-best 13.5 tackles-for-loss. 2007: Appeared in 10 games (eight starts) recording 25 total tackles including 2 ½ for losses.
Height-Weight-Speed 1
Possesses a very good combination of height, bulk, and overall speed
Durability 4
Durability is a concern, as he missed nearly half the 2005 season with a shoulder injury. Also missed three games in 2007 due to a sprained ankle
Character 0 N/A

Outside Linebacker specific Traits
Instincts/Recognition 1
Shows good instincts. Seems to play a step ahead of everyone else, as he locates and gets to it extremely fast. Recognizes play action quickly and does a nice job of staying home against misdirection
Pursuit/Point of Attack 2
Plays at the Sam linebacker position and is very stout when lined up over tight ends. Down-hill and aggressive player. Is loose in the hips and changes directions extremely well. Displays sideline-to-sideline range and does a good job of avoiding blocks without taking himself out of the play when in pursuit. Needs to improve ability to shed blocks quickly
Tackling 2
An impact tackler. Strong hands help him wrap up and bring down carriers. Also does a solid job of breaking down and making open field tackles
Pass Coverage 2
Shows outstanding awareness in coverage and does a sound job of looking up receivers. Reads the quarterback's eyes well and makes quick break on the ball. Has some stiffness in his hips and will be limited in certain man-to-man matchups, as a result. But when in position he displays good overall ball skills making the play given the opportunity. (see California 2007 1st quarter)
Pass Rusher 2
Shows quickness and power off the edge along with ability to close quickly. Also times stunts through the A and B gaps well. By comparison, in this rating Brian Orakpo scored a 2 also as a passrusher, while fellow Projected OLB Larry English is rated as a 3.

Sounds like we are talking about two very different individuals, does it not?

Not really! I just think you are looking at the positives and Im looking at the negatives. With the possible steriod allegations and only one year of real production, he just isnt worth the 15th pick IMO. His best year he had
GP TKL TFL SK PBU INT
2008 13 73 10.5 3.0 6 1

Thats just not good enough for me. I want an impact player at 15 or a trade down.

[papabear]

I think it was Zierlein who said a scout called Cushing the next Barbie Caprenter...in other words a guy who lifted weights to look at himself in the mirror as opposed to making himself a better football player. I have no idea how true that is, but the injury history has kinda lessened my enthusiasm.

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by papabear

I think it was Zierlein who said a scout called Cushing the next Barbie Caprenter...in other words a guy who lifted weights to look at himself in the mirror as opposed to making himself a better football player. I have no idea how true that is, but the injury history has kinda lessened my enthusiasm.

I disagree, from what I have seen he plays angry and I like that and I think we need that. Certainly, he doesn't remind of Bobby Carpenter.