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Deon Bush, S , Miami: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

Sep 20, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Miami Hurricanes defender Deon Bush (2) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) who fumbles in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Miami recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Miami Hurricanes defender Deon Bush (2) tackles Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) who fumbles in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Miami recovered the fumble. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The University of Miami have been known over the years to put either elite secondary play (Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle) or even respectable secondary play (Ryan McNeil, Sam Shields, Duane Starks) into the NFL. In recent seasons, the program has seen a bumpy road or two but closer observation will reveal that the program still has some raw talent that has value in the eyes of NFL circles. In the case of safety Deon Bush, the Miami native has enough talent to warrant taking a considerable chance on.

No, Bush is not in the same class as the franchise players Reed and Taylor but Bush does offer what teams are looking for in today’s NFL. It’s time to hop right in to the scouting report of the former Hurricanes safety.

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Deon Bush

Height: 6’0

Weight: 199 lbs

Strengths: Physical safety with mean intentions…..Bush has forced nine fumbles in his career, including a career-high five forced fumbles in 2014……Solid frame at 199 lbs and will probably add another 8-10 lbs for the strong safety position….Solid asset as a box safety…..Also reliable on blitz packages……Excellent athleticism…..36 inch vertical at the Combine to go along with 17 reps on the bench….Possesses discipline to properly wrap-up when not able to lower the boom…..103 tackles in a two-year span (2014-2015)…..Able to apply solid coverage on underneath routes…..Plays with a passion to the game that rubs off on teammates.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t provide consistent enough range to be dependable on the back-end…..Not a natural fit at free safety……Not display enough fluidity to flip his hips in coverage consistently, change of direction needs some coaching…..Noteworthy durability concerns…..Play diagnosis needs improving…..Bush has also been flagged for targeting at times throughout career including 2015 vs. Nebraska where he was ejected for targeting….Not great speed, clocked a 4o time of 4.6 seconds at the NFL Combine.

Here is the full clip of Bush’s best game tape. Against Florida State in 2014, you will see plenty of evidence of his hitting ability, tackling ability, effectiveness on blitz packages, as well as his sneaky athleticism:

Bottom line: To be quite honest, Bush underachieved at Miami. However, that was mostly out of his control. His underachievement was boosted by unfavorable circumstances with a very questionable coaching staff, the unwanted injury bug, as well as dealing with his father being diagnosed with cancer twice while Bush was on the team.  I refused to make excuses for a particular player however I think with Bush, those circumstances was enough to effect his play on the field. I truly don’t think we saw the real Bush during his entire four seasons in Coral Gables.

First and foremost, Bush is a strong safety and I think that “debate” will no longer be one as he gets on an NFL team. Second, Bush has more than enough qualities and abilities to be an asset to whichever franchise gives him a chance. He needs some tweaking in his game of course, but Bush has the ability to be what you look for and will provide value to a lucky team.

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