Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 Best players under 25 on the roster

2. Devin Bush Jr., LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Last year, the Steelers traded their 2019 first-round pick, a 2019 second-round pick, and a 2020 third-round pick so they could move up in the draft and take Devin Bush at 10th overall. Bush joined Hall-of-Fame safety Troy Polamalu as one of the rare defensive players Pittsburgh has traded up in the first-round for since the turn of the century.

As a rookie, Bush delivered on expectations. The heir to Ryan Shazier’s role in the middle, Bush accumulated two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 109 tackles. He did struggle in coverage at times and needs to work on wrapping up ball carriers more, but Bush’s rookie season was an overwhelming success.

If Bush continues working on his pass coverage, the soon-to-be 22-year-old could find himself earning Pro Bowl selections before the end of his rookie contract.

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers made an oddly-timed decision last fall when they elected to trade their 2020 first-round draft pick, a conditional 2020 fifth-round draft pick and a conditional 2021 sixth-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins for Minkah Fitzpatrick, a 2020 fourth-round draft pick and a 2021 seventh-round draft. However, the move paid dividends.

After a promising rookie campaign with the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick took his game to a new level in Pittsburgh. The former Chuck Bednarik Award winner logged five interceptions, nine passes defensed, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns with the Steelers. The Associated Press selected Fitzpatrick as a First-Team All-Pro alongside New York’s Jamal Adams.

Fitzpatrick brought new energy to Pittsburgh’s defense last year. After searching for an heir to Polamalu for years, the Steelers finally have another superstar safety. At 23 years old, Fitzpatrick could continue improving his game and play an even larger role in Pittsburgh’s defense in the future.