Inside LinebackerRey Maualuga
USC
6'1" - 260 Lbs
Projection: Top 15 Pick
Maualuga has been slated by many as the number 1 inside linebacker in the 2009 NFL Draft (ahead of James Laurinaitis). One look at Maualuga and any team should know what type of player they are getting, a tough one. Decked out in tatoos and longer hair, Rey is a hard-nosed, tough guy linebacker. If you watch just one USC game, you're bound to see atleast one big hit by #58. Rey has explosive speed and is often seen breaking through the offensive line immediatly after the snap. Rey's fierce attitude and big hits has many comparing him to Baltimore's Ray Lewis.
Another positive Maualuga has is his play recognition and coverage skills. Whether it's reacting well to play action or defending the pass, Maualuga is a beast at both. His season stats show just that. In 2008, Maualuga had 79 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes broken up and 1 quarterback hurry.
Maualuga's problems actually arise because of his agressiveness. Rey will sometimes get out of position because of his agressive playing style. He will also miss some tackles because he leaves his feet to early trying to deliever a big hit. If NFL defensive coordinators/linebackers coaches can teach Rey to harness his agressivness and use it during the right moments in the game he could be the next big hitter of the NFL (think Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu).
Career Stats: 236 Total Tackles - 8 Sacks - 4 Interceptions - 18 tackles for loss - 10 passes broken up - 2 Quarterback hurries - 2 forced fumbles
Teams That Should Be Interested In Maualuga: Kansas City - St. Louis - Seattle - Cleveland - Buffalo - Denver - New Orleans - New York Jets
Another positive Maualuga has is his play recognition and coverage skills. Whether it's reacting well to play action or defending the pass, Maualuga is a beast at both. His season stats show just that. In 2008, Maualuga had 79 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 2.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes broken up and 1 quarterback hurry.
Maualuga's problems actually arise because of his agressiveness. Rey will sometimes get out of position because of his agressive playing style. He will also miss some tackles because he leaves his feet to early trying to deliever a big hit. If NFL defensive coordinators/linebackers coaches can teach Rey to harness his agressivness and use it during the right moments in the game he could be the next big hitter of the NFL (think Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu).
Career Stats: 236 Total Tackles - 8 Sacks - 4 Interceptions - 18 tackles for loss - 10 passes broken up - 2 Quarterback hurries - 2 forced fumbles
Teams That Should Be Interested In Maualuga: Kansas City - St. Louis - Seattle - Cleveland - Buffalo - Denver - New Orleans - New York Jets
*Rey Maualuga won the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award*
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