Every rookie has a learning curve once he hits the NFL, even top 10 draft picks like Devin Bush. I've gone over why Bush was a top priority in the draft and why he's the centerpiece for the future of the Steelers' defense. His upside brings several positives, but there are always elements of a player's game to polish.
Bush's area to grow in is working against blockers at the point of attack. It's a huge part of his game that'll be tested by NFL rushing offenses.
Bush's best strengths come when he's stretching the field and running sideline to sideline. It maximizes his burst, speed and agility to cover ground and make plays that few linebackers can. That is important to have in a linebacker in today's NFL, but the art of working between the tackles and countering run blocking linemen is still imperative to being a complete linebacker.
Bush could get overpowered by larger Big Ten linemen. Watch how Bush (No. 10) is lined up as the weak-side inside linebacker and gets blocked by No. 72, Rutgers' Simon Stepaniak. Bush gets to his gap, but Stepaniak is able to lock into Bush's frame and push him out of the hole for running back Stevie Scott to score:
Counters for these moments can come from a number of skills. One aspect of Ryan Shazier's improved game was how he learned how to use his arms to keep linemen from establishing dominance over him in the hole. Bush has some counters in using his quick footwork to keep linemen from ever having a clear target to get inside his frame.
None of this is about Bush being timid in these situations or not wanting to be physical. When he gets matched up with someone that isn't 6-foot-4 and 322 pounds like Stepaniak, he can establish position and use that to leverage a win in a spot.
Watch how he goes up against No. 15 from Rutgers, Shameen Jones on a bubble screen. Bush comes from the middle of the formation and works his way right to the ball.
Jones thinks he has a clean shot at a blindside block, but Bush uses his left hand to engage by putting it right in Jones' chest. This allows him the control of the situation to work around Jones and have a clear shot at Raheem Blackshear, resulting in a tackle for loss:
Bush will have to feel out how to counter the bigger, stronger and faster players of the NFL. But nothing on his profile suggests he's not up to the challenge. Keep an eye out at training camp when he's in full 11-on-11 drills and gets the chance to work against contact at the point of attack.
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