Devin Bush will be departing the Steelers after this year and his replacement could be in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 2023 NFL Draft is still over five months away as the Steelers try to salvage a season that has them struggling to stay relevant. Many fans have already started to search for the next players that will wear the black and gold colors on gameday. It has been a struggle throughout the 2022 campaign that will likely have many more ups and downs along the way.
Inside linebacker has been a weaker point for Pittsburgh’s defense ever since Ryan Shazier got hurt. Devin Bush and Myles Jack have not worked out as a tandem and there will need to be a replacement found for one, if not both starting spots. Bush will be gone as he has not fully developed to his potential and will likely command a market in free agency after producing at a better level than before.
Trenton Simpson could be in consideration for the Steelers in round one
It would take the Steelers to bypass an offensive tackle in the top ten to get Trenton Simpson out of Clemson. He is super athletic and has played all over the field during his time with the Tigers. Many will compare him to Isaiah Simmonds coming out of college in 2020 during his draft prep. Both Simmonds and Simpson do have similar playing styles as they can be used in different roles, but both are best at the inside linebacker spot at the next level.
Noah Sewell has seen his draft stock drop, but he carries first round potential
One thing that the Steelers love is a prospect with NFL bloodlines and Noah Sewell has plenty of that. Both his brothers are currently in the NFL, one with the Saints, and the other is a starting tackle for the Lions. All the hype was on Sewell entering the year, but he has not played at his best level throughout this season to make him a top-ten pick. He has all the explosiveness that clubs around the league will love, but he can struggle in coverage at times.
Henry To’oTo’o is an undersized athletic linebacker in the middle
A huge trait that has gotten Henry To’oTo’o into high round consideration for the draft is his athleticism. He is able to make up a lot of ground which causes most of his deficiencies to be overlooked because of his major skillset. The main issue with To’oTo’o is his size and all of the issues that it could present in the NFL. He is better in space rather than when things get tight, but he needs to get better in that department to help against the run.
Honorable mentions for the Steelers to keep an eye on
Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State
2022 was a big year for Tommy Eichenberg with his new starting role at Ohio State. We know the Steelers love players from that school, and he would be a nice fit on day two of the draft. Eichenberg has been able to show good ability in defending both the run and passing attacks. He has exploded onto the scene and the biggest knock on him will be the lack of starts beyond this season during his collegiate career.
Demarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
Texas has been kind to Demarvion Overshown as he continuously improved his game ever since he earned a starting spot. He is a lean linebacker that can be a second option for a team if they miss out on Simpson on day one of the draft. The Steelers could come calling with the kind of athleticism and size that he brings with him. He might struggle against defending the run in the NFL and that will cause him to wait a little to hear his name called.
Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
Many are mixed when it comes to the opinion of where Jack Campbell might go in the upcoming draft. One player that he reminds some of is a former player that went to Iowa, Josey Jewell. Both were standout players in college and Jewell has gone on to have a nice career in the NFL. Campbell is not going to wow you athletically, but he plays hard on every play and has been reliable in every aspect of the game. He will probably go at some point between rounds two to four of the draft.
The Steelers will have a gaping hole in the middle of their defense when the offseason rolls around. Devin Bush has shown signs of improvement but the impending divorce between him and the club will push the need at inside linebacker to the top of their to-do list.