2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Adrian Bushell - CB, Louisville

Most people enter the college football world expecting to be there four (or sometimes five) years, leave having their best year as a Senior, then being drafted by an NFL team. Every so often, though, guys either don't fit in, don't get along with coaches, etc., and they transfer somewhere where they'll either get more playing time, or they will at least enjoy themselves. I think both happened with Louisville CB Adrian Bushell.

Bushell started his career at Florida where he spent two seasons, but only played as a Redshirt Freshman, playing in all 14 games for the Gators, but the following spring several issues arouse both off the field (academics), as well as not getting along with the coaching staff (rumored to have walked out of meetings, refused to participate in practices, etc). It was obviously a bad situation with both sides to blame.

He transferred to Cedar Valley Community College (near his home), where he played all over the field (11 tackles, 2 interceptions, 69 yards rushing, 29 yards receiving, and six kickoff returns. His one year away from big-time college football helped him get some things straight, and he followed his former Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong to Louisville, where he'd just been named the Head Coach. Bushell clearly liked the new school, as he was named First Team All-Big East each of his two seasons with the Cardinals, totaling 111 tackles, intercepting two passes, averaged about 24 yards per kickoff return, and blocked two kicks and a punt. Clearly something clicked for him.

Bushell isn't very big, so he'll most likely line up on the inside, especially to start his career. His vertical (33") isn't anything to write home about, which is why he's being projected in the 6th round. His greatest contributions will come on special teams, where he obviously had much success both returning and covering, and would be an instant upgrade for what the Colts are going to do. On the surface I wouldn't think the Colts would look specifically for a Special Teams only player, but they've made mention of looking to improve special teams play, so what better way than a low round pick that could help on the Defensive side, even if in a limited capacity. They'll have to look into the behavior issues before taking him, but if he checks out, not a bad choice.

Scouting Profile from NFL.com:

Strengths

Confident outside cornerback with good length. Good short-area quickness to adjust to receiver moves off the line, stay with them on double moves, and avoid their blocks in the run game. Gives good effort as a tackler, fights through stiff-arms from larger receivers to drag them down and will shove ballcarriers out of bounds—not simply escort them. Solid in run support, rips off blocks outside and will crash inside when uncovered; also effective cutting down backs in space with his shoulder.

Weaknesses

Possesses only adequate size to play man-up against more physical receivers, who can also carry him for a few yards after contact if he isn’t the aggressor. Needs work using his hands at the line of scrimmage to knock receivers off their route; better receivers use theirs to get inside or outside position.

NFL Comparison

Tramon Williams

CBS NFL Draft Scout Profile:

Strengths: Natural footwork and looks fluid in space with smooth hip action to quickly redirect his momentum. Good speed to stick with receivers up and down the field, staying in their hip pocket. Heady player and good feel in coverage. Good route anticipation and recognition, displaying good eye use to bait-and-drive on throws. Nice job avoiding blocks and throwing his body around in run support.

Weaknesses: Average size with a narrow frame and limited bulk. Needs to stay disciplined in his backpedal and doesn't always play with proper technique, tending to freelance a lot. Bites hard on fakes and doesn't always play assignment sound as his aggressiveness will get him in trouble at times.

Combine Measurements: