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Pros- Cushing is very strong and physical. He has very good instincts and good reaction time. He is tough against plays to his side and has the athleticism to chase plays down on the line of scrimmage. He is also very versatile, having played both inside and outside at USC. He is a good blitzer that has the speed to get to the edge and also has the strength to bull rush blockers. He is known for his dedication in the weight room.

Cons- He plays too aggressively at times and will bite on play action. He overruns plays and doesn’t always take proper angles. He struggles to match up with quick backs out of the backfield and athletic tight ends. Durability is a huge concern.

Scouts Take- Cushing is a big and strong prospect. It’s easy to tell he is a hard worker and is dedicated to being as good as he can be. He probably projects best as a 4-3 outside backer. His draft stock dropped after there were reports that he failed a drug test at the Combine. Those reports were FALSE and now Cushing’s stock is back to where it was before. Look for him to land in the middle of the first round.

College Bio

4.2.09 - Based on unofficial times LB Brian Cushing ran a 4.68. Saints coach Sean Payton, Vikings coach Brad Childress, 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Lions coach Jim Schwartz were on the USC campus. Several GMs are also getting a first-hand look, including the Lions’ Martin Mayhew, the Saints’ Mickey Loomis, the Vikings’ Rick Spielman, the Cardinals’ Rod Graves and Ted Thompson of the Packers. A number of coordinators are getting a look, including Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan of the Lions and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill was there as well, and I’m told he brought the Cardinals’ contingent on his private jet. The Lions and Saints have the biggest contingents, followed by the Seahawks, Raiders and Vikings.

Cushing, like his teammate Rey Maualuga, hits hard and seems to enjoy knocking the crap out of people. Cushing played all over the field in college and I'd say he was a better prospect than Maualuga if it weren't for two things: 1) Cushing isn't as durable and 2) there are rampant rumors surrounding Cushing using illegal supplements. I know he's stated he doesn't do anything steroid-related, but would he really admit it? I'm not saying he's done anything, but teams are very wary of the physical transformation he's gone through and it could hurt him on Draft day. -

All Access Daily Dose: More USC Pro Day Results

1.23.09 - Brian Cushing showed the ability to shed blockers and was tough to contain as an edge pass rusher. He can do it all and is worthy of being a top ten pick. - NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

1.21.09 – Brian Cushing also represented well today, destroying Jason Watkins (OT-Florida) with ease on back to back reps in the pit and masterfully handfighting to win time after time in backs on backers. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.19.09 - Made a very good impression during the morning weigh-in; he's a solidly built 6'3", 245 pound 'backer. Can look a little stiff at times, struggles to get proper depth on drops, needs to turn and run sometimes rather than being fluid enough to just adapt on the move. Looks best attacking the line of scrimmage and making plays in front of him. - NFL Draft Bible On Location At The Senior Bowl

Scout's Take - 7.1.08

Pros: Cushing is a very impressive physical specimen with more than enough size and speed to be an impact player at the next level. At 6’4” he has room to pack on pounds and become even stouter as he matures. This Man of Troy is a versatile talent, having started at defensive end during his sophomore season—a standup position in USC’s “Elephant” defense--before shifting to the SAM position. He is a tough competitor, a player who leaves it all on the field. A solid special teamer, the Jersey native has also blocked two punts in his career and even returned an onside kick for a touchdown as a member of the “hands team”. Cushing’s biggest strength is his ability to get into the backfield—he led the Trojans in tackles for a loss with 13.5 as a sophomore.

Cons: For a player who has seen the starting lineup since his freshman season, Cushing does not possess ideal experience entering his senior campaign. He has not shown much in terms of pass coverage so right now, he’s a one-dimensional player. The biggest hurdle Cushing must overcome if he’s to reach NFL stardom is the injury bug. He has missed time throughout his career as a Trojan and often played hurt. He even had his off-seasons curtailed due to his numerous ailments which include a dislocated shoulder as well as knee and ankle injuries, all of which required surgery. He needs to prove he can stay on the gridiron and out of the trainer’s room before his talents will earn him a high draft selection.

Overall: The strongside linebacker is still waiting to have his breakout season—if he is healthy, Cushing could play himself into the first half of the first round. He could be the best outside linebacker prospect in this draft and has the skill set to flourish as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Do not be surprised if Cushing joins his fellow Trojan Rey Maualuga on the All-American team and competes for the Butkus Award.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (USC)