2019 NFL Draft: Experts grades show mixed reviews on the Steelers pick of Devin Bush

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The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked many with their pick of Devin Bush in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and experts are weighing in on the selection.

The Pittsburgh Steelers stunned many when they traded up 10 spots in the 2019 NFL Draft to select Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It was a daring move, but the Steelers’ history of trading up shows when they really like a player, and are willing to move up to get them, it pays dividends.

In the first round Kevin Colbert has only traded up twice in his tenure with the Steelers. In 2003 to select Troy Polamalu, and in 2006 to draft Santonio Holmes. One is a Hall of Famer waiting for his chance at induction, and the other is a Super Bowl MVP.

With this track record you would think fans and experts alike would be on board with the pick of Bush. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Many experts aren’t sold on what the Steelers gave up to get Bush, and some feel the ILB position isn’t of great enough need to sell the proverbial farm to claim a top prospect.

Either way, check out the expert grades below, and be sure to bash them in the comment section if you disagree with their grade or analysis!

CBS Sports

10. STEELERS

Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

This is the player to replace Ryan Shazier after what happened to Shazier, who had a tragic injury and might never play football again. This kid can fill that role for the Steelers. They gave up a little too much though (picks 20 and 52 overall and a 2020 third round pick). He better be special. Grade: B

NFL.com

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft pick: Michigan LB Devin Bush (No. 10 overall)
Day 1 grade: A-
Draft analysis: I was so happy to see two inside linebackers go in the top 10 picks. Bush is worthy of that investment, as he moves like a safety and pounds ball-carriers with impunity. The picks they parted with to move up in the deal with the Broncos — Pittsburgh sent them a 2019 second-round pick (No. 52) and 2020 third-rounder — isn’t a ridiculous price to pay, but the Steelers could have found a much-needed corner had they stayed at No. 20 and a starting inside ‘backer in the second round (or later).

Sports Illustrated

10. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS): LB DEVIN BUSH

The Steelers almost never trade up, but in this case, trading up for Bush was an easy decision. The team has had a massive hole at linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s tragic injury, which is extra damaging considering their scheme puts a premium on speed in the middle of the field. With Terrell Edmunds joining as a first-round pick last year, the Steelers can be either a nickel or dime defense, giving them flexibility to adjust to opponents week in and week out. They haven’t had such flexibility since Shazier was last on the field.

GRADE: B

SB Nation

10. Pittsburgh Steelers: Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

Grade: B-

The Steelers made a trade solely based on supply-and-demand, jumping all the way up from No. 20 to No. 10 to take Bush. From a need standpoint, this is a move the Steelers had to make. The loss of Ryan Shazier created a hole in Pittsburgh’s defense. In this draft, there are two high-level linebackers in Bush and White. In that regard, it was smart for the Steelers to get Bush because the supply just isn’t there. But giving up that much draft capital for a linebacker is tough to defend. It won’t matter when Bush makes a Pro Bowl though.

What do you think of the pick? You can check out what the BTSC faithful think of the pick by clicking on our article which grades the pick HERE, and feel free to go to the comment section and let your voice be heard!