Brian Cushing SELECTED BY: Texans Round 1 (15)

SI Grade 4.04 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: "Full-time starter the past three seasons at linebacker, defensive end, and as a standup end. Awarded all-Conference and All-America honors as a senior after totaling 73/10.5/3 while intercepting one pass and breaking up six more. Junior numbers included 25/2.5/1, when he struggled through the season with an ankle sprain. Sophomore totals included 57/13.5/4.5."

POSITIVES: "Forceful defender who plays with great intensity. Strong moving up the field, defeats blocks, and rarely off his feet. Fluid moving laterally, quickly changes direction and makes a lot of athletic plays. Displays a burst of closing speed, sells out on the blitz, and flies around the action. Breaks down well, playing with good pad level. Aggressive, attacks ball handlers, and plays with a nasty attitude."

NEGATIVES: Struggles in pass coverage and cannot make plays with his back to the ball. At times too concerned with pinning his ears back and rushing up the field rather than staying with assignments.

ANALYSIS: "Cushing shows flashes of dominance, and he is a defender who forces the action up the field. He's best suited to line up at outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment, but in time, he could develop into a potential strong side at linebacker for a conventional alignment. Cushing's potential to be used in a three-point stance as a pass rusher in third-down situations is only added value."

PROJECTION: First/Second Round