The Steelers organization has always had a keen eye for linebackers and if that trend remains true, their 1st round draft pick Devin Bush will be no different. It's apparent Bush must have made an everlasting impression with the Steelers front office in order for them to trade up to get him at the 10th overall spot in the draft.
Bush looks like every bit of the player the team will need him to be after the Steelers lost the irreplaceable Ryan Shazier two seasons ago. Although the Steelers did not draft Bush to take over Shazier's spot, it's likely they are hoping he can fill a big portion of the void their defensive leader left behind.
The Steelers have had issues in recent years getting their defense on par with their elite offense, but that could all change with the addition of Bush. After a fantastic 2018 season, Bush was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year as well as being named a Consensus All American.
Concluding our Data Dive on the Steelers, it makes even more sense now, seeing why the Steelers traded up to select Devin Bush, as they use their linebackers to blitz often, and Devin Bush had the 2nd-highest pressure rate among draft-eligible LBs pic.twitter.com/zFFc5nCsaY
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 6, 2019
The Steelers have done their due diligence drafting hopeful difference makers on defense the last several seasons. Aside from T.J. Watt it hasn't been that easy, but this year's pick has a different feel to it. The Steelers could use Bush in various schemes that will help display his ability to be a game-wrecker as he was at the University of Michigan. Bush won't frighten anyone with his size, but his speed and strength are undeniable.
The Steelers have every reason to be excited about their first round pick this year and Bush could very well be the missing piece on an already talent-filled defense. Bush could join the long list of historic Steelers linebackers as his future looks incredibly bright if he can build upon his impressive college days.
"Lambert. Ham. Kirkland. Harrison. Shazier. The tradition of @steelers linebackers and their place in NFL history is unquestioned. And here comes @_Dbush11, who I think is more than ready for that status and that pressure."@PSchrags on the AFC North rookie he can't wait to see. pic.twitter.com/CKlfPzq8H9
— GMFB (@gmfb) May 13, 2019
