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+---- Thread: Raw LB With High Upside (/showthread.php?tid=1878)
Raw LB With High Upside - kckolbe - 07-08-2017
Next year's draft will show which team likes to gamble, because Kevin Cushing, outside linebacker from the University of Houston, is an intriguingly risky prospect, and he has just declared for next year's draft, which is looking to be loaded with other linebackers hoping to catch a break in a currently linebacker-hungry league.
Football Insiders recently had a chance to watch Kevin Cushing perform a workout session, and there was a lot to like about it, though also more than one or two red flags that may scare off potential GMs.
The sophomore not only has pro-level speed, but he could switch to any other position on the field and still have pro-level speed. Fans of his play at U of H won't be at all surprised to hear it, as he was often used to cover opposing wide receivers, and could go step for step with many of them. He could also use that speed getting to the quarterback with deadly efficiency if not blocked. This also points to Cushing's flexibility, as he could sub in at safety or even cornerback should injuries or a weak roster necessitate it. Needless to say, this allows a great deal of opportunity for disguised looks, and some defensive coordinators will drool over that alone. In the interest of fairness, however, he is not the fastest linebacker in the draft class. That honor belongs to Leon Bones, a pass-rush specialist who can also bring down runners in the backfield.
His awareness is amazing for a rookie. His father was a defensive coordinator, and you can tell that the young linebacker has learned a lot from that experience. He reads the field instantly, and has a knack for finding underneath lanes. As a coverage linebacker, he can be expected to recognize the plays and use his speed to get in position.
He hates high-profile quarterbacks, and that hatred shows up on tape. While he did earn a few penalty flags his sophomore year, he also seemed to get inside the head of a lot of passers, knocking their balls to the ground, forcing them to leave the pocket, and generally making their job harder. In the NSFL, this mentality will be a great driving force.
Unfortunately, it isn't all good news for Cushing as a prospect. With such great speed and field awareness, one would likely expect Cushing to be among the leaders in interceptions, but far too many times in his display, we saw the ball hit one or both hands and still end up on the ground. We could comfortably call him disruptive in the passing game, but teams looking for someone to generate turnovers may want to look elsewhere unless they think his hands can be coached up.
Additionally, he may not be physical enough for the pros. Cushing began as a safety, but his poor hands, combined with good talent at the position, led to his being moved to linebacker. Of all the linebackers projected to be taken in the draft this year, Cushing leads all of them is missed tackles. He's also prone to being locked up by blockers, lacking the strength to push past.
Our experts currently predict that he will not be one of the top LBs off the board. Luke Chunk, Leon Bones, and Manny Paz all seem more NSFL-ready, and even though a lot of teams find themselves in need of linebacking help, most of those teams will likely want someone who can contribute week one. Cushing, for all his promise, is not someone viewed in that light.
At this point, it seems Cushing would best serve as a rotational LB, a great asset on passing plays, but offering almost nothing against the run. In addition, he would need to improve his technique to be of real use. There are reports that Cushing is very active about working with his coaches and seeking the advice of veterans, so maybe his work ethic will allow him to quickly overcome his current flaws. It's something we will definitely be keeping an eye on.
((676 words/Ready to grade))
Raw LB With High Upside - kckolbe - 07-08-2017
Please move this to the proper section. My apologies.
Raw LB With High Upside - Silver Fox - 07-09-2017
(07-08-2017, 08:49 PM)kckolbe Wrote:Please move this to the proper section. My apologies.
Done. :cheers:
Raw LB With High Upside - Noble - 07-09-2017
Welcome to the league man
I've seen your name around quite a bit so far, hope you become another super active prospect!
Raw LB With High Upside - kckolbe - 07-09-2017
Thanks for fixing my screw-up.
Noble, I just wrote a piece on Noble vs Draxe for Ultimus Week, should be posted soon. Glad I'm getting some notice. I'll need it if I want to be drafted in the first few rounds.
Raw LB With High Upside - Valtookan - 07-09-2017
(07-09-2017, 12:49 AM)kckolbe Wrote:Thanks for fixing my screw-up.
Noble, I just wrote a piece on Noble vs Draxe for Ultimus Week, should be posted soon. Glad I'm getting some notice. I'll need it if I want to be drafted in the first few rounds.
I hope you get drafted early. You're super active and I'd hope that I've paved some type of path for coverage Linebackers behind me. If you have any questions about build, don't be afraid to hit me up.
Raw LB With High Upside - JBLAZE_THE_BOSS - 07-12-2017
GOOD LUCK IN THE DRAFT CAPT CUSH
words 676
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