TE Matt Bushman, BYU
HEIGHT: 6-5
WEIGHT: 245
HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL): Tucson, AZ (Sabino)
247 RATING: .8518
STARS: 3
YEAR: Senior
POSITION RANK: 11
CAREER
Receiving: 125 catches, 1,719 yards (13.8 ypc), 9 touchdowns
2019
Receiving: 47 catches, 688 yards (14.6 ypc), 4 touchdowns
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Matt Bushman Breakdown
BYU knows it’s lucky to have stability at the tight end position. Matt Bushman’s manned the position for what seems like a decade now, but he’s back for one more year. Finding depth behind him will be the focus for the future, but they’ll rely on his abilities for the time being. He’s set for a career year to finish his time in college, and the NFL will be waiting.
At 6’5″, 245 pounds, it’s easy to see why NFL scouts will pay attention to him in 2020. Bushman’s a physical route runner who can win 50/50 balls thanks to his strength at the catch point. Strong hands and an ability to box defenders out and away from the ball put him in position to make tough catches. With a lack of agility along with rounded cuts, it’s tough for him to gain separation against linebackers, but he makes up for it by being physical and getting his body in better position. He can get going vertically to push safeties deep, but the second he has to make a cut he loses most of his momentum. As long as he doesn’t get the ball in his hands, the defense will be fine.
Bushman’s strong hands help him haul in passes, but it’s what he does after the catch that makes him dangerous. He almost becomes a different player when the football is in his hands. Secondary players typically have to go for his ankles to take him down because they’re not strong enough to hit him higher and be successful. His lower body is so strong that even a good form tackle isn’t guaranteed to take him down.
The worry surrounding Matt Bushman’s NFL future was eased when he chose to come back for another year at BYU. The Cougars offense has a few good pieces, and Bushman elevates the passing game with his talent. Extra quickness will help elevate him as an NFL prospect, but he already has the frame that teams want. The Cougars need to figure out what the future looks like, but for now they’re all set at tight end.
