Lipstick city takes over the Senior Bowl

The news coming out of the Senior Bowl has been the Southern California linebackers. The trio (Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing) have been making a great of publicity with their play, especially Matthews and Cushing. I'd recommend watching the video on the link above, as Todd McShay, friend of New Era Scouting, breaks down the trio's play.

Cushing has done a great deal for his draft stock, but he's been looked at as first round pick since this time last year. He's been making highlight reel plays this week, and McShay describes him above as being able to play in "any system." I see Cushing going in the top fifteen picks, and likely to a team that runs a 3-4 defense. One intriguing idea is Cushing becoming a modern day Peter Boulware, who plays over the tight end in a 4-3 defense, and then moves down as a rush end on third down.

Maualuga has been the big name star of the group, but he seems to be the least noteworthy of the three at Senior Bowl. He's said he'd taken on the challenge of fixing the Lions, but his star has fallen a bit. Look for him to still go in the first ten picks, but number one overall isn't likely unless new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz falls in love with Rey.

The biggest surprise is Clay Matthews. Matthews would have been a full time starter and focal point of most defenses, but the Trojans were four deep at linebacker this season. The former walk-on could jump into the first day with a strong Senior Bowl performance and good workouts. I'd expect him to test out extremely well. Of the three, Matthews may have the best ability to play in space.

Since we are talking about Trojan linebackers, don't forget about Kaluka Maivia. He was not invited to the Senior Bowl, but he played well at the East-West Shrine Game. He has upside as a Cover 2 linebacker.

Finally, don't sleep on the Trojans defensive tackle Fili Moala. He's been a lost name this season, but he's quite an effective space eating tackle. I could see Moala jumping back into the first round when it's all said and done, possibly as a 4-3 nose tackle or a 3-4 defensive end.

Okay, I lied, I wasn't done. Wide receiver Patrick Turner, who has been a disappointment for those who followed him in recruiting, has been up and down thus far at the Senior Bowl. I had always thought that with good coaching and a few weight gainer shakes, Turner could have made an amazing tight end.

That's all for today. Feel free to comment, and let me know what your thoughts on the Trojan prospects are!