Rey Maualuga SELECTED BY: Bengals Round 2 (6)

SI Grade 4.07 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference and All-America honors since his sophomore campaign. Winner of the 2008 Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to college football's top defensive player. Senior totals included 79 tackles and two interceptions, when he struggled through most of the season with a sprained knee. Totaled 79/10.5/6 as a junior after 78/5/2 during his sophomore campaign.

POSITIVES: Forceful, run-defending linebacker who makes plays sideline-to-sideline. Disciplined, fires up the field in run defense, and delivers crunching hits. Has an intimidating style, takes reasonably good angles to the action, and sells out on plays. Effectively uses his hands to protect himself, holds his ground against blocks, and is tough to stop once he gets his momentum going. Scrapes well laterally, fast to the sidelines, and shows ability in pursuit.

NEGATIVES: Hesitant in coverage, and usually a half-step late reacting to the ball. Gets caught out of position at times. Seems a little immature off-the-field, and was woefully unprepared for pre-draft scouting events such as the Senior Bowl and combine.

ANALYSIS: Maualuga is a forceful defender who displays the ability to impact games. He offers potential at a number of inside or middle linebacker positions, and if he stays healthy and remains focused, he can be an immediate starter at the next level. If off-the-field issues do not distract Maualuga and he is focused on football, he will offer a team All-Pro potential.

PROJECTION: First Round