Darius Rush NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6′-2″
Weight: 201 pounds
School: South Carolina
2023 NFL Draft: Darius Rush Scouting Report
Darius Rush began his college football career in 2018 with the Gamecocks. He redshirted that season due to injury and did not see any playing time. In his second season in Columbia, Rush transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback, but played only special teams in three games during that 2019 season. During the 2020 Covid-19 season, Rush appeared in just eight of South Carolina’s 10 games, with most of his appearances coming on special teams. Rush also missed two games due to injury. For the season Rush was credited with eight total tackles (seven solo, one assisted).
2021 was a breakout season for Rush, as he played in all 13 games for the Gamecocks while making 12 starts at cornerback. Rush had 26 tackles (24 solo, two assisted), while also having a sack and an interception while defending against eight passes. In his final season in Columbia, Rush appeared in 10 of the Gamecocks 13 games, making nine starts at cornerback. On the season Rush had his best season, overall, amassing 38 tackles (28 solo, 10 assisted), one forced fumble, and two interceptions, while defending against seven passes.
Strengths
- Built like an NFL-prototypical cornerback;
- Plays defense against the pass consistently, even when trailing the receiver;
- Can also be an asset on special teams, if necessary;
- Limits the receiver’s catch window, consistently;
- Is a blanket on receivers, especially on the deep pass.
Weaknesses
- Needs to improve his footwork skills;
- Has a herky-jerky tempo and pace, especially on stop-and-go routes;
- Has the propensity to play too amped up; overly tense;
- Biomechanics of the hips are subpar
- History of injuries.
NFL Comparison: Amani Oruwariye
Teams With Need At Position: Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Bottom Line on Darius Rush
Rush has a lot of the qualities that will intrigue many NFL teams and he will likely be drafted in either round three or round four. What teams will like is that he is built like an NFL cornerback and plays consistent defense against the receiver for the duration of the route. He is a special teams expert and can fill in in that capacity as well. Rush also limits the receiver’s catch window and sticks with his man, especially on the deep ball.
What may prohibit teams from taking a chance on him are his history of injuries and his unorthodox and unproductive footwork and biomechanics, which impede his ability to fulfill his true potential as a cornerback. Rush can also become too intense and amped up, which leads to rigid mobility and physicality during a game. He needs to be more relaxed when on the field and make the most of his opportunities in order to exhibit and meet the potential he has to be an effective NFL cornerback.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
