Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Rey Maualuga (USC) - 2009 NFL Draft Pick #38 by CIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Rey Maualuga

Player: Rey Maualuga
College: University of Southern California (USC)
Position: Linebacker

Overview

Rey Maualuga was a standout linebacker at USC, known for his aggressive playing style, physicality, and leadership on the field. He was a key member of one of the top defenses in college football, contributing significantly to USC's success during his tenure.

Strengths

• Physicality: Maualuga is known for his hard-hitting ability and toughness. He can take on blockers head-on and is effective in stopping the run.
• Instincts: He has a strong understanding of the game, allowing him to read plays quickly and react accordingly.
• Leadership: As a team captain, Maualuga demonstrated leadership qualities that are essential for a linebacker in the NFL.
• Versatility: While primarily a middle linebacker, Maualuga's skills allow him to play in various linebacker positions and adapt to different defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Injury History: Maualuga had some injury issues during his college career, which raised concerns about his durability in the NFL.
• Coverage Skills: While he is strong against the run, his pass coverage skills were seen as a potential area for improvement.
• Over-aggressiveness: At times, his aggressive playing style can lead to missed tackles or being out of position.

Projection

Maualuga was projected to be a first or second-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and football intelligence made him an appealing option for teams in need of a linebacker to anchor their defense. Scouts were particularly intrigued by his potential to develop further in the NFL.

Conclusion

Rey Maualuga was highly regarded as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2009 NFL Draft. His collegiate performance at USC, combined with his physical attributes and leadership qualities, made him a promising candidate for a successful NFL career.