NFL Draft Profile: Arquon Bush, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bearcats
Arquon Bush
Cincinnati Bearcats
#9
Pos: CB
Ht: 5117
Wt: 187
Hand: 0928
Arm: 2978
Wing: 7238
40: 4.55
DOB: 5/10/2000
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
High School: Euclid
Eligibility: 2023
Evaluation: A developmental prospect, Bush enters the NFL with a versatile background on defense and special teams, but he lacks the athletic traits and technique to offer significant upside in the NFL. Bush primarily operated as a slot defender for his first four seasons with the Bearcats before kicking outside following the losses of Coby Bryant and Ahmad Gardner in the 2022 draft. Bush primarily lined up to the field side of the defense and spent a lot of time in off-man coverage. The redshirt senior brings special teams experience, which could provide him with a path to see the field. During his years spent in the slot, Bush displayed effective communication to adjust coverage assignments when the offense initiated motion or stacked receivers. He has good foot speed and linear speed to carry receivers vertically. Bush’s hips are fluid with little to no tightness. He has a natural feel for positioning in zone coverage. Bush has some physical limitations. He’s not eager to contribute in run defense and doesn’t come downhill against the run or show high effort in pursuit. In coverage, he occasionally plays flat-footed and gets blown by in off-man coverage.
Background: An All-AAC honorable mention finished his college career participating in the NFL Combine where he timed a 1.54 ten-yard split with a 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot 7-inch broad jump. Battled injuries throughout the 2022 season, still managed to start all 13 games. A three-star prospect out of Euclid High School. Repped by Micah Zanders.
Round Grade: Round 6
Report from Feb 22
One Liner:
Bush enters the NFL with a versatile background on defense and special teams, but he lacks the athletic traits and technique to offer significant upside in the NFL.
Evaluation:
Bush primarily operated as a slot defender for his first four seasons with the Bearcats before kicking outside following the losses of Coby Bryant and Ahmad Gardner in the 2022 NFL Draft. Bush primarily lined up to the field side of the defense and spent a lot of time in off man coverage. The redshirt senior brings special teams experience on the kick coverage, punt return, and field goal block units to the league, which could provide him with a path to see the field. During his years spent in the slot, Bush displayed effective communication to adjust coverage assignments when the offense initiated motion or stacked receivers. He has good foot speed and linear speed to carry receivers vertically. Bush’s hips are fluid with little to no tightness. He has a natural feel for positioning in zone coverage. Bush has some physical limitations. His arm length is questionable, and he is undersized with a lean frame. The Cincinnati product isn’t sudden or twitchy. Bush misses tackles because of his small frame. He’s not eager to contribute in run defense and doesn’t come downhill against the run or show high effort in pursuit. Bush doesn’t wrap up and drive through ball carriers consistently. His tackle attempts are extremely passive. Bush struggles to disengage from blocks and redirect to the football. In coverage, he occasionally plays flat-footed and gets blown by in off man coverage. Bush is quick to declare his hips and gets turned around in coverage. He bites on double moves, pump fakes, and quarterback eye manipulation. Bush allows too much cushion in off man and continues to give too much space during the route. The Ohio native allows separation at the top of the routes and is slow redirecting to contest comeback routes. He doesn’t have the footwork or speed to mirror receivers and hasn’t taken many snaps in true press coverage.
