Brian Cushing- 2009-NFL- A First Round Draft Pick

There ‘s no question that Brian Cushing will be a first round draft pick in the upcoming draft, and it just remains to be seen what NFL team will pick up his services.

14-25

Brian Cushing’s projected drafted position.

Let’s look at it in closer details:

14. 2009 Draft-   New Orleans Saints-   2008 Draft Money- Five Years for $16 Million.

25. 2009 Draft-   Miami Dolphins-          2008 Draft Money-Fives Years for 9.7 Million.

The Other Numbers…

40                           4.74                Ranked #8
Bench Press             30                Ranked #1
Vertical Jump      37.5                 Ranked #7 Tied
Broad Jump         10’0"               Ranked #6 Tied
3-Cone Drill         6.84                Ranked #1
20-Yards Shuttle 4.22               Ranked #4

His Advantage…

The Linebackers in this class are incredibly talented, but Brian Cushing has an advantage, and edge over his fellow competition, and he can thank Pete Carroll for it: the elephant position.

The Elephant position; a hybrid linebacker adds an extra element to the field, and one can compare it to a queen in a game of chess. A powerful piece whose always need to be watched from all directions, and can effectively turn the tides around in one move.

But, what does Brian Cushing think of his abilities?

San Francisco 49er’s Interview with Brian Cushing:

Q: Do you think you’re better suited for a 4-3 or 3-4 defense?
A: You know, I think I’m best suited in every defense, because I’ve played leo (left end) in a 3-4 and I’ve played leo in a 4-3. I’ve played mike (middle linebacker) in a 4-3 and I’ve played sam (strong side OLB) in a 4-3 and will (weak side OLB). So there’s not one position that I felt I needed to play or one that I was out of position. The biggest thing to me was just taking care of business and playing anything. I feel I’m a natural linebacker with my best trait being just my instincts.

The Broncos, Patriots, Steelers, and Cardinals all use a 3-4, and it looks like 1/3 of the NFL teams will make a transition to 3/4 from a 4/3 this year.

Indianapolis Colts GM/President Bill Polin said,"First of all, Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, the Steelers, they know how to find them, for sure. Their records indicate that," Polian said. "Secondly, yeah, you can find them, you just have to project them away from what they’re doing at the college level and to your level. For example, Brian Cushing is a perfect 3-4 outside linebacker, to pick one player.

And lastly, Penn State  Offensive Tackle Gernald Cadogan believes Brian Cushing to be one of the toughest opponent that’s he had to block.

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