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The three most valuable Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019

By Chris Halicke

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 16: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the third quarter during the game against the New England Patriots at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Devin Bush of Michigan reacts 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 reacts 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) /

3. Devin Bush

On the surface, this may be over hyping a rookie. It’s understandable to see that. How many rookies actually have that big of an impact on their team? Let’s look at little deeper into this.

First off, just to get it out of the way, this is in no way saying that Devin Bush will be an MVP candidate, league or team. Both of those MVP awards have become more like an outstanding player award than based on actual value for their team.

So, why is this an argument? Well, why did everyone under the sun want the Steelers to draft one of the two Devins in the first round? They are game-changing players, with elite athleticism and speed, and just happen to play the Steelers’ position of greatest need.

Devin Bush may have a great impact this season. There’s even a chance he could be the team’s leading tackler. But if he doesn’t do that and has what most would call even a “solid” rookie campaign, his spot in the rotation alone brings speed, athleticism, and most importantly, depth to the inside linebacker position.

The Steelers were gouged down the middle in 2018, especially in pass coverage. Jon Bostic as good of a run-stopping linebacker as he is he’s that bad in pass coverage. Adding players like Bush, and even Mark Barron, bring the ability to pass cover in the middle of the defense, which will do wonders for this team.

Devin Bush brings a lot to the table in 2019, even if it doesn’t light up the stat sheet. He has a lot to learn in his first season in the NFL. But his presence will not go unnoticed and the Steelers simply can’t afford to lose a player they deemed valuable enough to trade up for.

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