Texans Take USC LB Brian Cushing with 15th Pick

Looking to help out the defense with a big-name player, the Texans in the first round went with linebacker Brian Cushing from USC. The linebacker had 3 sacks last season for USC to go along with 73 tackles. In 44 career college games, he has 178 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Here’s the lowdown on Cushing from Draft Countdown: Strengths: Ideal size and bulk…Good athleticism…Adequate speed…Extremely versatile…Reliable tackler…Excellent strength…Tough…Intense and very competitive…Decent pass rusher with a burst to close…Changes directions well…Good range…Able