Deon Bush NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Bears Rookie

POSITIVES

A thumper coming downhill, Deon Bush is a throwback to the physical, swagger-filled days of Miami football. Teammates at Miami raved about Bush’s practice habits and character when asked about his abilities. If NFL scouts find the same thing, they’ll be calling Bush’s name on Day 3 of the draft.

A physical player with above-the-line athletic ability, Bush looks the part. He’s a vertical player with the agility to contest 50-50 balls and the downhill speed to attack outside runs and screen packages.

When Bush gets a read on the ball in front of him, he has impressive closing speed and arrives at the ball with power. Bush can intimidate ball-carriers and brings more pop than expected from a 200-pound frame thanks to explosive legs.

A natural in a two-high safety set, Bush has the size and versatile skill set to be considered as a free or strong safety in the pros. A strong safety alignment would be natural for him given his striking ability, but his range and football IQ may be more valued at free safety.

NEGATIVES

Limited ball skills and awareness in coverage keep Bush from realizing his potential. He had just four interceptions in four seasons at Miami and until 2015 had just seven passes defensed (finished with 13 for his career).

Bush lacks the long speed to track the ball down the sideline and will get burnt on deep routes when he takes a false step toward the line of scrimmage. Overall, his coverage instincts are not those of a typical senior defensive back. Because he lacks recovery speed, Bush is a liability in man coverage. His ability to make plays in zone can be limited by heavy movements when asked to cut and run downhill.

Bush is a big hitter, but he also missed 10 tackles in 2015. That overaggressive style leads to missed opportunities and too many highlight-reel attempts from Bush instead of just breaking down and putting pads on the ball-carrier.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0 ⅜"

Weight: 199 lbs.

40 Time: 4.55s

3-Cone: 6.91s

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Duke Williams, Buffalo Bills
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)