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Pros- Maualuga has a nonstop motor. He flies around the field looking to knockout anyone with a different colored helmet on. He is fearless and is known for his big hits on ballcarriers and receivers over the middle. He is quick and reads the play before it has a chance to develop. The former Trojan is good in coverage and elite in run stuffing.

Cons- He is not extremely athletic and lacks the speed NFL teams look for in first-round 'backers. His killer mentality gets him in trouble against play action, and he often overruns plays. Most of the time he goes for the huge hit instead of the sure tackle or pass breakup. He totaled zero sacks in 2008 after having six in 2007.

Scouts Take- Maualuga was a dominating force in college--it seemed like he had at least one devastating hit per game. USC had an unbelievable linebacking corps over the past few years, but none was more productive over their career than Maualuga. He lacks the athletic ability that the other first-round linebacking prospects have, but no one plays harder or tougher than Maualuga. He projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick that can play inside in a 3-4 or 4-3.

School Bio

CFI: Player Anatomy: LB Rey Maualuga, USC - 11.8.08

4.2.09 - Rey Maualuga, who wasn’t among the initial group of eight Trojans to run their 40 at the beginning of the workouts, went through position drills along with fellow linebackers Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Kaluka Maiava. After leaving to attend to a nagging blister on his foot, he returned to run a solo 40 run that clocked in at 4.7 according to NFL Network’s Mike Mayock. He was clocked at 4.83 at the Combine. Maualuga said he has a visit scheduled with the Falcons on Saturday and seven visits with teams between now and April 20th. “I just came out and did everything to the best of my abilities,” Maualuga said. “Am I satisfied with my performance? Yes. If I didn’t give it everything that I had, then what’s the point of being out here?”

The 40 time and the rest of his measurables are fine, but teams aren't going to make a draft decision about this kid based on a couple of tenths of a second or a few reps. Anyone who sees the former USC man on film, WITH PADS is going to realize that Maualuga is a fierce player, one who actually may need to rein in his emotions a bit and play a bit more in control if he wants to be successful in the NFL. That being said, his aggressive streak is what makes him such a good player, one with big time potential—do teams want to mess with that? The former Trojan has great football instincts, hits like a freight train, and is the best linebacker in this Draft.

I definitely see the comparison with Seau. Much like the legendary Charger, Maualuga is a wild man, who takes on blockers and punishes ballcarriers with incredible ferocity. This guy's lateral agility is tremendous, but he can be overaggressive to the point where you'll also see him overrun plays, which may create cutback lanes for the opposing runner. Overall, though, I think this guy's an impact player who'll force his share of fumbles and also makes plays in coverage. That's right, a run-stuffing intimidator who's a three-down player. This is what you get with Maualuga. He's the complete package. Just don't be surprised to frequently see his name on the injury report due to his violent style of play.

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. - All Access Daily Dose: Maualuga Leaves PD & Returns

1/23/09 - After a mediocre Tuesday, Rey Maualuga came out like a man on fire on Wednesday, tossing James Davis aside like a rag doll in blocking drill. He then flashed his shoulder and got around Quinn Johnson, exploded by Arian Foster and used a swim move to burst by Davis again. He looked a different player, more like someone who will be off the board among the top 10 picks come April. In the scrimmage he proved he can cover and no one hits like this Man of Troy. - NFL Draft Bible On Location At the Senior Bowl

1.21.09 – Rey Maualuga looked like a premium first round pick today. He blew up a screen pass and running play in 11 on 11s, and beat his opponent in every way possible during blitzes in backs on backers. He won with speed, quicks, strength, and moves, and always left his opponent frustrated in one of the most impressive showings of the week in any drill by any player. He seemed to flip the switch and looked like a top 10 pick. - Draft Guys On Location at the Senior Bowl

1.20.09 - Lions fans have eyes for Maualuga (who was 6-1, 254, by the way). It remains to be seen whether the Lions will, too, as they try to repair one of the worst defenses in NFL history. What would it be like to go to the Lions? "I know one person can't change a franchise or change the way they play," Maualuga said. "But to go there and change some things on defense would be a big deal. It's something I can help them with, to bring an intensity to a defense."

Scout's Take - 7.1.08

Pros: Maualuga is pretty darn close to being the prototype MIKE backer, with the perfect build for a linebacker at 6’2/260 lbs and the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline. The senior was highly productive—he was a two-time First Team All-Pac 10 performer who led the Trojans in tackles in 2007—and as the Rose Bowl MVP (three sacks, INT returned for touchdown) he showed his penchant for stepping up in big games. His knack for being around the ball on almost every play can be chalked up to his aggressive nature and closing speed. Maualuga excels at breaking into the backfield both against the run and the pass—his six sacks display his proficiency as a blitzer in passing situations—making him a legitimate three-down player. A physical and strong competitor that is willing to be the leader and centerpiece of this tenacious Trojans defense, he is intense and brings it every day. He can also be a solid special teams contributor.

Cons: There is not much downside to a player of this caliber. Keeping his focus and being a leader both on and off the field are the only concerns; although he has said that he has matured and understands the steps he needs to take in order to elevate his game to the next level. His aggressiveness and eagerness to make a big play can be used against him. A hip pointer limited him versus Notre Dame last season, the only contest in which he came off the bench for USC.

Overall: Even playing along side future top ten pick Keith Rivers, it was hard not to notice Maualuga and not just because of the flowing locks coming out from under his helmet. He was everywhere and there are seemingly no limitations to his potential. Many scouts were hoping Maualuga would forgo his senior campaign at USC for an NFL payday—physically, he was NFL ready last season. With two years as a starter under his belt, Maualuga’s game should grow exponentially as a senior, allowing him to play at a Pro Bowl level as an NFL rookie, a path similar to that of the 49ers’ Patrick Willis.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (USC)