Rico Bussey NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’-0”
Weight: 186 pounds
School: Hawaii
2021 NFL Draft Profile: Rico Bussey
One solid season in college can really create buzz surrounding NFL draft prospects. Rico Bussey declares for the NFL Draft after three seasons at North Texas, then transferring to Hawaii. Bussey’s 2018 tape has flashes of brilliance, but after a serious injury and lackluster senior campaign, Bussey aims to get back to 2018 form if he’s to be successful in the NFL
A true freshman in 2016, Bussey caught eight passes for 97 yards and one touchdown in six games. Despite still not starting in 2017, Bussey displayed a pattern of production logging 47 receptions, 677 yards, and seven touchdowns in 13 contests. Bussey broke out for North Texas in 2018 amassing 1017 yards on 68 receptions, 12 going for scores. His touchdown total was fifth in the FBS that year. An ACL tear ruined his 2019 season, and soon after Bussey found himself in a Hawaii jersey. Playing for the Rainbow Warriors in 2020, Bussey lost a step from 2018 only notching 31 catches for 274 yards and a lone touchdown.
Strengths
- Vertical upside – as seen in 2018 tape;
- Very smooth, sharp cuts;
- Usually eludes first tackler;
- Gets physical when pressed;
- Turns upfield as soon as the catch is made;
Weaknesses
- Declined after a serious ACL injury;
- Average hands;
- Thin route tree;
- Anchors at end of route – doesn’t return to quarterback;
- Has trouble tracking deep balls with eyes;
NFL Comparison: Adam Humphries
Teams With Need at Position: Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, New York Giants
Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
Bottom Line on Rico Bussey
Showcasing his talents at two different schools, Bussey is hoping that his 2018 tape speaks to coaches and that he can return to that form. When healthy, Bussey has skills to be an all purpose pass catcher. His route running seems to be smooth and he breaks tackles at the second level. Bussey may be under 200 pounds, but plays against the press physically. The Hawaii prospect is always looking upfield once he has the ball in his hands.
The elephant in the room is whether or not Bussey returns to his 2018 form where he shined at North Texas. His production may have been inflated by lack of talent in the conference. A thin route tree exposes Bussey at the NFL level. His skill set is just short of meeting an NFL standard. Coaches may also not like his affinity for catching with his body. Bussey doesn’t always return to the quarterback if the route breaks either.
A true boom or bust prospect, Bussey could land on a roster really late in the draft. He is slated to be undrafted, but scouts could see his 2018 tape and feel as if that production could happen again. Teams with thin depth at receiver may reach for Bussey in round seven. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that drafts receivers throughout seven rounds and invests in the youth. If Bussey goes undrafted all is not lost, teams could give him a call during camps or midseason. Receiver is seemingly abundant every draft, and Bussey will need to stand out in a packed group to become a pro.
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