Devin Bush: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker poised for breakout 2021
The Pittsburgh Steelers had high hopes when they selected former Michigan linebacker Devin Bush in the 2019 NFL Draft.
NFL Network Analyitcs Expert Cynthia Frelund named Bush as the most improved player for the Steelers heading into 2021.
“In his rookie season of 2019, Bush’s impact in coverage was almost immediate,” Frelund noted. “Computer vision shows he was able to limit catches and yards after the catch at the fifth-best rate that year, and that he started entering this high level of production about two games in (The average for off-ball linebackers drafted in the first three rounds since 2005 is about five games before they are consistent and we can determine “who they are” with any statistical relevance.)”
As the 10th overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bush was viewed by scouts and talent evaluators as a jack-of-all-trades linebacker. His versatility has always been his staple. While the third-year NFL linebacker isn’t going to stack up double-digit sack seasons on an annual basis, he’s sure to wreak havoc in a variety of ways.
Michigan fans (and anyone who appreciates great defensive football), won’t forget watching Bush dominate in nearly every statistical category on a regular basis as the anchor of the Wolverines’ defense during his time in Ann Arbor.
Devin Bush will thrive in bigger role
As Frelund notes, there are significant changes to the Steelers’ defense that finished ranked third in the NFL a season ago. Core players like Bud Dupree, Mike Hilton and Steven Nelson are no longer in the Steel City.
Frelund argues this means the versatile ball-hawking linebacker will get more snaps than he ever has, leading to a breakout campaign.
“Given the changes to the Steelers’ defense this offseason, it seems more will be asked of Bush in his return to the field after missing 11 games in 2020. And there are great indicators that he will be able to deliver,” Frelund noted.
If fully healthy for the entire 2021, it’s easy to see why Frelund, and other NFL analytics experts, are high on Bush as the new NFL season draws closer.
Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus echoed Frelund’s prediction about Bush in an article earlier this summer.
“You could certainly argue that Devin Bush hit the ground running in the NFL and that his absence last season highlighted how good he already is. But the Steelers ask a lot from their linebackers, and his PFF grade hasn’t caught up with the ability he showed during his rookie season. Bush had an overall PFF grade of 62.9 as a rookie, only earning a grade above 70.0 in tackling. He missed only 10 of his 116 total attempts. He was solid in coverage, allowing a passer rating of 105.3 into his coverage, which sounds high but is almost exactly league average for targets against linebackers.”
Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus
Steelers fans should be thrilled about the duo of TJ Watt and Bush at linebacker this season. With uncertainty on offense, Pittsburgh will need its defense to shine if an AFC playoff run is the end goal.