Maualuga falls to second round...why?

HaoleLama · Apr 26, 2009

some GM was commenting "there were reasons" Ray M fell what were the reasons?

letsgohoosiers · Apr 26, 2009

#1 trait an inside linebacker needs to have is to shed blocks and make tackles in rushing defense. Maualuga wasn't good with his hands like other backers in this, he's a guy overhyped by the media because he roams freely untouched and then hits big. People see the hits on the UCLA QB running down the sideline and think "WOW, he's great!" however you run straight at him and get a man on him and he's neutralized. He doesn't shed blocks. Oregon State did this very effectively with Jacquizz Rodgers.

He isn't a pass rusher, and teams place a huge premium on LBs that can rush the passer. That's why you saw Larry English go 15-20 spots ahead of where top 100 boards had him. Demarcus Ware had a metoric rise a few years ago because he could rush.

kidman232 · Apr 26, 2009

ray also kind of tends to wonder outside of area's hes responsible for and could burn some teams by leaving his gaps

HaoleLama · Apr 30, 2009

it sounds like many felt ray wasn't a 3 down guy - and he had a few fights off the field as one gm put it "what middle lb doesn't get into a fight"
bengals got a steal - ray has a serious motor and an injury will be the only thing that slows him down

guitarjosh · Apr 30, 2009

Hey plays out of control. He constantly overruns plays and is out of position. Quick, smart RBs, the type that are in the NFL but not as common in college, will take advantage of that.