Devin Bush

After recording 109 tackles as a rookie for the Steelers in 2019, it's been downhill for Bush since. The knock on Bush was that he wasn't physical and would play around blocks instead of going through them. After four seasons in the AFC North, Bush worked as backup for Seattle in 2023 (37 tackles). Given that he turns 26 in July, he's still young enough to change the narrative under Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. An undersized linebacker, Bush may be able to work behind the Browns' talented defensive line, much like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah did during his 2023 breakout effort.

A 2019 first-round pick of the Steelers, Bush stacked up 109 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a sack as a rookie. However, Bush never got to prove himself as a 1,000-snap linebacker because he tore his ACL in 2020. The Michigan product walks into an intriguing opportunity for a fresh start in Seattle, as Jordyn Brooks is coming off an ACL injury of his own and in the last year of his rookie contract, while veteran Bobby Wagner is playing on a one-year deal. Wagner and Brooks are penciled in as starters, but if either player misses time, Bush may get to handle a starter's workload again.

Bush missed most of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL, but he appeared in 14 games last year and racked up 70 tackles (41 solo), two sacks, four pass defenses, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He topped 100 tackles as a rookie in 2019 but has failed to replicate that production while dealing with injuries over the last two seasons. The 2019 first-rounder is slated for a starting role once again in 2022 but is in the final year of his rookie contract after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option during the offseason.

Bush had a strong rookie season in 2019 and recorded 109 tackles (72 solo), one sack, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a touchdown while appearing in all 16 games. He played every defensive snap across the first four games of the 2020 campaign, but he suffered a torn ACL in Week 6 and missed the rest of the season. Assuming he's healthy for Week 1, the 2019 first-rounder should play a key role in Pittsburgh's defense.

The first-round draft pick played up to -- and exceeded -- expectations after Pittsburgh traded up to select Bush with the 10th pick in the 2019 draft. The rookie didn't miss a game all season and led the defense with 109 tackles. His two interceptions and four fumble recoveries contributed to Pittsburgh's league-leading 38 turnovers. If there is room to improve it is in his pass rushing, as Bush managed just one sack. Regardless, he appears to be a real IDP asset.

Pittsburgh traded up in the first round to draft the uber-athletic Bush 10th overall and he's expected to start at inside linebacker as a rookie. He replaces Jon Bostic, a pure run-stopper, who was released. Bush thus has a chance to provide immediate IDP value, especially if he secures a three-down role.