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Sell me on Michael Bush (1 Viewer)

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Footballguy
Can someone please explain to me the love-affair w/ Michael Bush? He's currently ranking 6th in the Dynasty rookie polls, and I just don't see it.

I don't recall the last time a big back did well in the NFL as far as FFBall. Jacobs is an amazing back in NYG, but I'm reading everywhere that he's not expected to become the everydown back w/ Tiki retiring. He faded pretty poorly late in the season - but then again so did the rest of the Giants offense.

There's no doubt that in TD-only leagues... he should be a top-3 pick for rookies. But I think it's safe to say most FFBall leagues are yardage (+) TDs leagues - and I don't see Bush being a big time play-maker in the NFL outside of pounding out the tough yards.

 
I don't see Bush being a big time play-maker in the NFL outside of pounding out the tough yards.
The gripe on Bush is that he doesn't pound out tough yards. If he did, I would be a big fan. He has excellent speed and can take it to the house on just about any play. He has great hands. He's a converted QB, pretty smart in picking up blitzes and does a better job blocking than he get credit for. He has moves like a much smaller back. You look at his skillset and think you're talking about someone much much smaller, but the dude carries 245 nicely and he did flash a willingness to pound it out very early in the only game he played this year. In space tacklers will bounce of him unless they really wrap up. I'm not taking dynasty rankings seriously until after the draft, but Bush could end up in a couple sweet situations and be very valuable, or not. There is talk of him converting to more of an H-Back player in the pros, and if he could earn the designation TE, then that would be pretty interesting.
 
I'd really like to hear more from those close to Louisville or the draft. I can't shake my feeling that he's another Eric Shelton. I try very hard not to buy into the 'backs from the same school thing', but doesn't the scouting report sound similar? How will Bush be different?

I can't find a complete profile on Bush just yet, but Shelton's is below.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/shelton_eric

Positives: Has a rare physique with broad shoulders, thick chest, sculpted arms, big bubble, wide hips, thick legs and thighs, and above-average balance and body control … Shows very quick acceleration off the ball and the change-of-direction agility and flexibility to redirect when the rush lanes are clogged … More of a power-oriented runner who, despite his tall frame, stays low in his pads and does an excellent job of securing and protecting the ball before running up the middle … Strictly a north-south runner, but has some juke and hip wiggle to bounce to the outside … His leg drive allows him to break arm tackles, and he does a very good job of squaring his shoulders and powering his way through trash … He is nimble enough to avoid leg tackles, as he just high steps and finishes the play … Has not been asked to lead block much, but in limited chances, he shows more than enough strength to keep the rush lanes clear … Displays good hip snap as a blocker in pass protection and will face up and take on larger defensive linemen … His good hands and urgency protecting the ball will not make fumbling a problem … Even though he's used strictly between the tackles, he does show good feet and lateral agility to pick and slide in-line … Outside of his strength, the thing you notice in his runs is the ability to maintain his balance when he gets behind his pads … Will usually get good yardage after contact when he lowers to drive through defenders … Good effort runner who keeps his feet when getting to the outside, but is best when dishing out punishment with the ball in his hands on inside runs.

Negatives: He's not going to make precision cuts, bounce to the outside and elude, but does have some burst and an extra gear to break past arm tackles into the secondary … As a receiver, he is still a work in progress and this could remain a liability in his game … His hands look too stiff to be anything more than a safety valve target, if even that … Shows very good run instincts, but will lose vision on the defenders when having to redirect outside … Does not have the top burst or speed to be effective running outside, as he's a bit short-legged and does not show the stride to get outside the defense … Lacks route skills on those limited chances he has had to swing out of the backfield … Will over-commit his body at times in attempt to stave off the edge rush, causing him to fall off his blocks.

 

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