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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Top 2019 candidate in each division

By Michael Johnson

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Nick Bosa of Ohio State reacts after being chosen #2 overall by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin Bush of Michigan poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen #10 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin Bush of Michigan poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen #10 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

AFC North: Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers needed someone who could mimic what Ryan Shazier brought before his tragic injury, so they traded up for Michigan linebacker Devin Bush. All eyes and expectations are on Bush, but he can live up to the hype.

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Like Shazier, Bush is a fantastic athlete with elite traits and speed. His 4.4-second 40-yard dash was nothing more than a stamp on his play. He’s a free roam inside linebacker who’s an excellent fit alongside T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree and Vince Williams.

Next to Bush is Williams, who does the dirty work playing in the trenches, taking on guards. This will allow Bush to use his speed, coverage, and ability to get to the quarterback. Last season Williams was used as a pass rusher and he got eight sacks. Bush has a quicker first step and shown he can slip between and pass blockers as a blitzer.

He’ll also give defensive coordinator Keith Butler a player who can drop into zone coverage effectively. Bush’s ball skills are second to none, finishing with 11 pass defenses over his final two season in college. Plus, he’s protected by arguably the best nose tackle in football, Javon Hargrave. He’ll be kept clean and free to do what he does and make his claim as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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