OLB, Kaluka Maiava, USC

OLB, Kaluka Maiava, USC

Pros:  Shorter than scouts would like, but has a solid build with room for additional growth. ... Instinctive defender. ... Reads the action and puts himself in position to make the play. ... Good lateral agility.

Cons:  Lacks the bulk to hold up at the point of attack. ... Can be washed out by athletic tackles. ... Relies on his agility to avoid blockers, as he struggles to disengage.

Styg's Broncos Fit:    Maiava is a decent depth-player at this point, with only one year of experience where he benefited tremendously from the surrounding talent on the USC defense.  His Rose Bowl performance, his best of the year, was obviously a case of capitalizing when the rest of his teammates were accounted for, but he did flash some upside in the game, including some powerful tackling and the speed to follow plays laterally.  But most of the year he looked like he was being reactive, instead of proactive.  He would often get flushed out of plays, or allow himself to be redirected by OTs.  He also has difficulty disengaging from blockers, which significantly reduces his effectiveness tackling around the line of scrimmage.  Could be a great developmental pickup and seems coachable, but he isn't head and shoulders above any prospect this early in the draft.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Maiava is a hardworking overachiever who plays whistle to whistle. Maiava's a really intelligent linebacker who reads and reacts quickly. He doesn't bite on play action and knows when to stay home when a running back might bounce outside. Moves well laterally and uses that agility to stay away from blockers. Has good enough playing speed. Really looks the part of an excellent special teams player.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• ''My 40 was a 4.7 and I know I can run 4.5, I have run 4.5 before,'' Maiava said. ''I was a little mad after my 40 and when I ran the three-cone and (20-yard) shuttle, I did really well on those. I can do a lot quicker in the 40. On April 1st for our pro day, I can knock those things out. We have big names at USC, obviously, so all the coaches that were at the combine will be at our pro day.''
  
  Maiava did all of that while also fielding a day full of demanding psychological tests from NFL teams and a full day in the hospital, including six hours longer than most of the participants as he underwent tests from all 32 NFL team doctors and then was asked to stay longer while his surgically repaired wrists were examined by an MRI and X-rays.  [see more...]
•  Possesses a strong lower body and plays with natural leverage at the point of attack. Does a nice job being physical in the hole and wining the initial battle on contact. Is very active and showcases good footwork, burst and redirection skills. Gets up to speed quickly and exhibits good closing speed to the ball carrier. A sound tackler who does an impressive job exploding though his hips and bringing down the ball carrier inside.  [see more...]