If you were ranking NFL teams that make splash moves, the Pittsburgh Steelers probably wouldn’t be in the picture – until this offseason. Pittsburgh decided it was time to make a push, likely due to a closing window for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers made several big moves, but none bigger than the trade up to draft linebacker Devin Bush. But it was a huge move for a not-so-big linebacker. Bush checks in at a squatty 5-foot-11 and 234 pounds, which might seem a bit unconventional in the modern NFL.
But Bush insists his lack of height isn’t going to be an issue at the next level. In this article by Steelers writer Tim Benz, we get a look at how his size has been perceived and talks about what it could mean for the Steelers.
One of the areas where the Steelers really struggled last season was covering big slot receivers and tight ends over the middle. Teams figured out pretty quickly the Steelers didn’t have the speed or the length to run with these types of players.
Pittsburgh got the speed part covered with Bush. His times at the combine aside, his suddenness in the open field is obvious. But will Bush being a few inches shorter than ideal show up when a team like the Los Angeles Chargers slides Keenan Allen inside and Bush has to chase him? We will find out soon enough.
I want to pass the question on to you. Are you worried at all about Bush’s lack of height? Or is his athleticism going to be enough to make it irrelevant?
