San Diego Chargers Possible First Round Draft Pick: Rey Maualuga

by John Gennaro on Apr 22, 2009 12:05 PM PDT in NFL Draft

Rey Maualuga

#58 / Linebacker / USC Trojans

Height: 6-2

Weight: 260

Year: senior

Why We Need An Upgrade: One of the three major holes on the Chargers defense is right next to Stephen Cooper. The options there without Maualuga are Matt Wilhelm (who was dreadful at everything last year), Tim Dobbins (who played well against the run but is more of a backup) and Kevin Burnett (a free agent signing from Dallas who plays well against the pass but has never proven to be a starter). If the Chargers are looking to build a championship defense last year, they know they're going to need another playmaker at the Inside Linebacker position.

The Inside Linebackers are often overlooked as blitzers in the 3-4, but they're in fact very valuable. With the line either going towards the center to stop Jamal or rotating to the outside to stop our blitzing OLBs, there are plenty of holes in the center for a strong ILB to terrorize the quarterback.

Key Stat:

	Year	Sacks by ILB	Record
SD Chargers	2006	9	14-2
SD Chargers	2007	3	11-5
SD Chargers	2008	1.5	8-8

Why We Don't Need An Upgrade: A return-to-form by Merriman fixes everything. An improvement in the outside pass rush will force more bad throws, which could turn into more interceptions with a sure-handed ILB like Burnett. Dobbins could play in run-stopping situations (such as 3rd & inches). Filling the Safety and Defensive End positions may be more important.

The Argument For Maualuga: Baby "Lights Out" or Seau Junior. This is Rey-Rey's potential. Maualuga is big (about 20 pounds heavier than Cushing and Laurinaitis), fast (at USC's Pro Day his 40 time was 4.65, fourth amongst all LBs), quick (4.25 in the short shuttle) and powerful (23 bench press reps). Even with all of those stats, I do not think anyone can truly appreciate what Maualuga brings to the table without first watching him play. He consistently plays through injuries, he's fiery and when he sets his sights on something (like sacking the QB) nobody can stop him. He's got a great motor and is as powerful as a freight train when he gets up to speed. Don't believe me? Ask these guys:

via www.trojanwire.com

via weblogs.newsday.com

The Argument Against Maualuga: He's not as confident in coverage as he is when stopping the run or rushing the passer. He can be hesistant in his backpedal and reads, sometimes putting himself in a bad position defensively. Rey has shown good hands and an ability to read the QB's eyes, but he needs more work on breaking down offenses quickly. Maualuga's college career was riddled with small injuries that he played through but may have hampered him. He will need to show that he can stay healthy and consistent to become a star in the NFL. The big knock on Rey is that he's immature and unfocused, culminating in him showing up to the Senior Bowl and Draft Combine with very little preperation. Although he certainly has the physical tools to make an immediate impact, it may be necessary for a Chargers vet to take Rey under his wing to ensure that he maintains his focus both on and off the field.

Poll

Should the Chargers use their #16 pick on Rey Maualuga?

Yes, he's the key to making our front seven fearsome!

398 votes

No, he's overhyped and we have more important needs

67 votes

465 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 26 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

If he's thre at 16 and they can't find a partner to trade down with

I think they should take Rey Rey.

by Grey Suit on Apr 22, 2009 2:00 PM PDT reply actions

Amen to that...

by Schwing on Apr 22, 2009 3:29 PM PDT up reply actions

If they can trade down

Who would you rather see them take? Position or player

by Diesel85 on Apr 22, 2009 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I would love to see them trade down to either late in the first and also get a late 2nd round pick.

and draft Eben Britton from Az or William Beatty from Uconn (both OT’s) late in the first and get Patrick Chung from Oregon or William Moore from Missouri (both S) with their acquired 2nd round pick.

by Grey Suit on Apr 22, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed

I was actually thinking moving down to late first to take Donald Brown and then picking up a second rounder for Chung or Moore. I think OT isn’t a need, because I think Clary is serviceable and going to get better, and could be addressed in later rounds (like we’ve done with Dielman and Hardwick).

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 22, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions

I think OT is a concern

Because McNeil’s contract is up at the end of the season and who knows what kind of money he is going to want and I’m not sure how deep next years OT draft class is going to be. Also we dont know if we are going to get the 07 or 08 Clary in 09 and Forney is still a question mark.

by Grey Suit on Apr 23, 2009 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Ron Brace

is another good looking 2nd rounder.

Jarron Gilbert too.

Memo to baseball managers: You manufacture runs by NOT making outs, not by making them on purpose.

by Wonko on Apr 23, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

By the way

over 114 votes and counting? Awesome! Our community seems to be growing very quickly and this issue is one that everyone cares about.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 22, 2009 6:06 PM PDT reply actions

212 votes now!

This is definitely the most popular poll we’ve ever had on BoltsFromTheBlue.com.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 23, 2009 4:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes

We need Trojans on the team

"I bleed powder blue." - Antonio Gates

by matthewverygood on Apr 22, 2009 10:08 PM PDT reply actions

Anyone worried about taking a 2 down linebacker this high?

I’ve heard conflicting reports, but I think the consensus is that Rey may not be able to play on “coverage” downs. He doesn’t have the ability to cover the RBs or TEs he will be asked to, and/or doesn’t have the instincts for zone coverage.

Personally, I’m a little wary of drafting a guy at 16 that can only play 2/3 of the defensive snaps. I think we probably already have a two headed beast in Dobbins/Burnett and I wonder how much better we will be with Rey/ Burnett.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Apr 23, 2009 6:50 AM PDT reply actions

Who would you rather draft?

by Grey Suit on Apr 23, 2009 7:18 AM PDT up reply actions

DE or OT

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Apr 23, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions

I think he's a 3 down linebacker

As I said above, he’s not instinctive in coverage the same way he is otherwise. However, I think most LBs out of college are the same way. LBs don’t play coverage in pop warner or high school, and in USC’s defense Maualuga spent more time blitzing than he did covering. So I believe it to be inexperience rather than a lack of ability.

When Cooper began starting at ILB I thought he was all run-stopping and really struggled in coverage. In 2008 I thought he was as good as Donnie Edwards was at coverage. He got his experience, he learned the system. In the 3-4 the ILB’s job usually has a lot more to do with playing zone and reading the QB than actually staying with a RB or TE. As long as Maualuga can learn and is dedicated to becoming a complete player, I see no reason why he cannot become one in his first year.

Maualuga had 5 INTs in his 4 years with USC (2 in his senior year) and has shown some soft hands when he gets in the proper position.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 23, 2009 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't mind if we drafted Maualuga

I just wonder if he deserves a #16 pick. I hear you about Cooper but remember Cooper was an UDFA so you assume he will need a lot of work in some areas. A guy like Jerod Mayo didn’t have coverage questions about him last year and was taken in more or less the same spot.

Also, plenty of analysts think he is a three down LB, but I know some who don’t. Personally, I have no idea.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Apr 23, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 24, 2009 3:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Not worried at all...

First of all, half this team switches in and out throughout the game…so he plays into our system. Secondly, Maualuga isn’t that bad at coverage. A guy like him brings energy and uplifts teammates around him (similar to Merriman). Think about it, you see a guy on your team going full speed and your competitive level is going to kick it up a notch as well (even if it’s only for 2 downs). It benefits the team. Burnett can take over on 3rd downs (similar to how Wilhelm would come in on pass downs last year). Another benefit is that he’ll be fresh come the 4th qtr.

I agree w/ obviousman about Maualuga…he spent a lot of time blitzing. Imagine us mixing up our defensives schemes switching the blitzing LB around!? QB’s will not know who’s coming!? All in all when you look at it…he’s a huge benefit. Plus, the Chargers can teach him on conditioning himself to become a solid 3-down LB (not that I don’t think he can’t be a 3-down LB).

I like your idea of Dobbins/Burnett combo, but I’d rather see Maualuga/Burnett backed up by Dobbins…minus Wilhelm.

by Hellsbells51 on Apr 24, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Welcome to Bolts From The Blue!

Love the profile picture, love the enthusiasm.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 24, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

I won't be heartbroken if AJ picks Rey

But I hope we get an impact DE in the first round. Tyson Jackson may not be there at 16, but there are other possiblities, including trading down a few spots and grabbing Ayers and another pick.

I don’t know what blitz schemes Rivera will favor, but the last few years we have had success with Phillips and Merriman providing speed and power pass rush from the outside. Our D-line has been strong enough to push the pocket back enough to flush the QB and allow the outside guys to rack up the sacks.

Of course, last year was a different story. I remember the humiliation of watching LT get stuffed at the goal line on 4th down, then watching Pennington get his foot stepped on, fumble the ball and have time to pick it up, roll out of the pocket and throw the ball away.

I like Cesaire and Bingham as backups, but we need a playmaker on the D-line. Castillo shows flashes, but he’s can’t stay healthy and even when he’s in the game he disappears for long stretches.

by theGEN3RAL on Apr 23, 2009 9:45 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I don't think Ayers can be a 3-4 DE can he?

He’s too small.

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 24, 2009 3:19 AM PDT up reply actions

My picture says it all

I think he’s worth the 16th pick to have a prescence in the middle like Rey Rey. We looked downright soft last season on D and it made me sick. To have a guy in the middle with a mean streak like that…….count me in

by BleedsBlueNgold on Apr 23, 2009 12:39 PM PDT reply actions

Welcome to Bolts From The Blue!!

Great name, great profile picture (unless we draft someone else).

You bring up a great point. Just like Merriman, Maualuga has a mean streak. I was wary of it from Merriman at first but it really seemed to fire up the rest of the defense. Without Merriman, no matter how well the D played they never got fired up and they never got mean. I like the idea of adding another player who can fire up the team like Merriman can.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Apr 23, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Why thank you

I just feel like he’s too good to pass up. Taking a Running Back makes absolutely ZERO sense. After all; that entire LT fiasco was to clear up cap room to re-sign Rivers, Gates, Merriman, etc. There aren’t really any safeties that are first round talent, and the fact that we have (3) 4th round picks (which I can amagine physically aroused A.J.) I have hope. I miss the days when receivers and backs feared someone in our ‘D’ (a la Seau and Harrison). That, and his pass rush skills are no joke either

by BleedsBlueNgold on Apr 23, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions

ESPN fired Michael Irvin over a marijuana charge....

….Yet they just again claim that the Bolts are taking Beanie Wells. What are they smoking?

by BleedsBlueNgold on Apr 23, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions

I like Rey

but I think he might be a bit of a reach at 16. IFyou trade down and he’s still there, then you take him. But there will probably be at least one player of better value to the Chargers at #16. I’m hoping for one of Oher, Raji, Andre Smith, and maybe Malcolm Jenkins or Tyson Jackson.

by Brendan Scolari on Apr 24, 2009 3:24 AM PDT reply actions

Good Point, but....

Malcolm Jenkins worries me. Mostly because Ohio State defensive players rarely seem to pan out (Vernon Gholston comes to mind, or closer to home; Matt Wilhelm). Something about the school’s tendency to play mid-major programs almost exclusively outside of conference play does their players somewhat of a disservice when it comes to playing on Sunday. As for Jackson; I don’t know about taking a 4-3 DE that high in the draft; he’d basically be learning a new position. Rey has been playing ILB in a 3-4 scheme at USC, which I believe would greatly reduce the learning curve. As for OT, I think A.J is going to skip them in the first going by price tag alone. We have too many stars to re-sign, and frankly; Rey’s question marks are a good reason for A.J to make his contract more incentive laden. And what crackhead is thinking we’ll take Everette Brown? A DE/OLB that’s too slow to play OLB and too small to play DE in a 4-3, mind you. He’d fit into our scheme where? Just my opinion(s)

by BleedsBlueNgold on Apr 24, 2009 8:20 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs