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USC ‘Backers Ready to Make NFL Draft History
Published: April 24, 2009
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Up to the eve of the 2009 NFL draft, Mark Sanchez has occupied the media focus among USC entries. But at some point during the pre-draft ritual of hyping and highlighting the biggest names, three of his Southern California teammates got themselves in line to make NFL draft history.
When the stock of Clay Matthews escalated during the evaluation period, it lifted his projection to the first round, where he joins fellow former-Trojan linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga. If Saturday proves the predictions to be correct, it will be the first time in NFL draft history that three ‘backers from a single program are selected in the first round.
Now, prepared to be even more impressed?
Look at the 2009 Trojans draft package, and you’ll see that three of the first-round projections (Sanchez, Maualuga, and Cushing) are former Rose Bowl MVPs, having won either offensive or defensive honors.
And searching the rest of the Trojans up for selection, you’ll also find a fourth. Linebacker Kaluka Maiava was the 2009 Rose Bowl defensive MVP and is projected to go anywhere between the second and fourth rounds tomorrow.
When the dust settles on Monday, the NFL will have four new linebackers from the University of Southern California, and they’ll join the well-established Keith Rivers and Thomas Williams (2008), Lofa Tatupu (2005), the aging Willie McGinest (1994), and Junior Seau (1990).
The greatest thing about all this, though?
The pipeline looks to keep flowing, as the Trojan youth movement has the team prepared to showcase another young and talented corps for the 2009 college football season. Undoubtedly, they’ll eventually feed the future NFL.
Running back is historically the glamour position of the program; I mean, they receive national recognition as “Tailback U.”
But in the era of Pete Carroll and under the guidance of linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., the Trojan linebackers have emerged as the NFL’s most wanted.
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Dallas Cowboys Draft Should Focus On WR
Published: April 21, 2009
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Many fans feel that with the departure of Terrell Owens, the Dallas Cowboy receiving corps just isn’t up to par with the rest of the league. There are many ways to look at what has just been presented, and with varying degrees of success as well.
The initial premise that this offense lacks a “killer” element without an upgrade of Terrance Austin is well taken. Patrick Crayton is a good No. 3 receiver, but I don’t think he will ever climb above that status. He may well be best as a No. 3 for a few years more, as he was two seasons ago. I feel that his top peak as a receiver has already been reached. A good quarterback can make him pretty efficient, but that is all.
As to Austin, there is a real reason that he did not shine beyond a contributory element in the Dallas passing offense. I think that this goes into his upper limits as well. He’s a good contributory element, but he just won’t allow Roy Williams to stand out by lining up opposite of him unless he can draw a full scaled zone that benefits Roy Williams.
As to Roy Williams himself, the verdict is out on him as well. Even an optimistic projection has to be quickly reinforced by production from the very start of this upcoming season also.
I, therefore, agree with the initial premise, that in order for this offense to be dominating and really effective in the NFC East, The Cowboys need an additional element in the receiver group. This will put them over the top and give a truly rounded and top notched offense for Tony Romo to direct.
Too me, the one player in the draft who could change the makeup of the receivers for Dallas is none other than Brian Robiskie. He has been rated as the seventh best receiver in the strong top tier of receivers in this year’s draft and would project within movement range for the Cowboys come draft day.
This draft will play out to the advantage of a crafty Dallas front office. To address the starting direction of that group, one has to take into consideration the head of that team, Jerry Jones. With the ability that this group of wide receivers is lacking, don’t think that Jerry will purely be looking for just a “personality” with an attempt to move up to grab a player such as Robiskie. He has a very high football or IQ guy. He has been well schooled in how to defeat the press coverage, and just doesn’t fit into a mold of a Gonzalez or other comparable players at the position prior to him.
Robiskie doesn’t have the very top levels of physical measurables, but his ability to achieve at a very top level IS there.
He would warrant a valid attempt by Dallas to move up high enough in the draft, to be secured. That part is never guaranteed, and has to be an opportunity that is worked. This may or not be workable, but the selection of this particular player or another of comparable talent would warrant considerations to move up and acquire a prominent receiver.
If another team just pulls the trigger on Robiskie and other very top level receivers prior to Dallas being able to make their move, then this will open up another type of a draft. A possible strong ‘meat and potatoes’ type of draft from that point forward.
For this fan, although, I see it the opening of a door of opportunity for both Robiskie and the Dallas Cowboys, until it is slammed shut in the upcoming draft.
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