Is Former 1st-Round Pick Devin Bush The Steelers Biggest Draft Bust Of The Kevin Colbert Era?

Devin Bush is officially no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers after signing a deal with Seattle Seahawks. After being drafted tenth overall by the Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft, many viewed Bush as the next great linebacker for the black and gold. After a promising rookie season in which he had 109 total tackles and nine tackles for loss, Bush was destined to be a Steeler for life and command the middle of the defense for the next decade. 

Unfortunately, this was not the case. Bush suffered an ACL tear during a Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns in 2020. Since then, Bush has simply not been the same player and has seen his playing time decrease over the past two seasons. With Bush's time as a Steeler officially over, there is no denying the selection of him at tenth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft is one of the biggest busts in the history of the Kevin Colbert Era for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

A New And Improved ILB Core 

The decision to let Bush walk should come as no surprise after General Manager, Omar Khan has been aggressive in reshaping the inside linebacker positional group. The team has signed veteran linebackers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. Furthermore, Robert Spillane is now a Las Vegas Raider and Myles Jack has been released. Apart from Mark Robinson, the Steelers will have a completely new inside linebacker group in 2023. 

As disappointing as Bush's career in Pittsburgh was, it was blatantly clear that it was in the best interest of both parties to move on. Bush had grown disgruntled with his role on the defense and the Steelers simply need more production from their inside linebackers. 

Where Does Devin Bush Rank Among The Kevin Colbert Era Draft Busts For The Steelers? 

While the Steelers have had a multitude of NFL Draft busts during the Kevin Colbert era, the argument can be made for Devin Bush taking the crown of the biggest one. Names such as Jarvis Jones, Dri Archer, Limas Sweed, Senquez Golson, and Artie Burns should also be considered, but Bush has one differentiating factor from all of these players that separates him. The Steelers traded up for him, which was incredibly rare for Colbert to do. 

From that moment, Bush seemingly had no chance of ever adequately living up to the hope fans had for him unless he had a Hall of Fame career. No, Bush was not terrible for the Steelers, there were some moments where it seemed like he was the long-term answer at inside linebacker. However, the ACL injury in 2020 seemed to shift his entire career trajectory. 

Once he returned in 2021, he did not have the same sideline-to-sideline speed he once had and appeared to play passively rather than aggressively. The Steelers gave him every opportunity to regain his form, but time ultimately ran out. An incredibly unfortunate ending to such a once-promising Pittsburgh career. 

Final Thoughts On Devin Bush

Bush's career in Pittsburgh was unique. He seemed to be an ascending star for the defense in 2019, making splash plays all over the field and using his speed to track down ball carriers. However, the knee injury he suffered in 2020 truly was the deciding moment for his fate as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Fortunately for him, he now has the opportunity to revive his career for a Seahawks team that has the potential to make some serious noise in the NFC in 2023. 

He will forever be known as a draft bust in Pittsburgh, but it was time to move on for both him as well as the Steelers. With the addition of both Holcomb and Roberts this offseason, maybe the Steelers will finally have their long-term answer at inside linebacker. Only time will tell. Best of luck in Seattle, Devin. 

Okay, Steeler Nation. Where would you rank Devin Bush among the biggest NFL Draft busts during Kevin Colbert's time as General Manager? Do you think Bush will do well in Seattle? How do you view the signings of both Holcomb and Roberts? Let us know in the comments! 

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