Todd McShay Mock Draft 2.0: Steelers select an ILB to help complete their LB corps

It might seem crazy, but the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, which means the NFL Draft,is really starting to heat up! With college football All-Star games over, it is now time when experts start to release their mock drafts for the upcoming draft process.

While mock drafts are nothing more than lofty projections for teams, the analysis of diagnosing team needs can be a valuable one.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have some glaring needs on their football team, and most reside on the defensive side of the football. Below is an early ranking of the Steelers’ top three needs which could, and probably should, be addressed in the upcoming draft:

1. Cornerback
2. Inside Linebacker
3. EDGE Rusher

While there certainly are other team needs, including running back, most would agree the team should have a very defensive oriented draft class while looking at their current roster. ESPN draft expert Todd McShay agrees when he selected an inside linebacker to the Steelers in his first mock draft of the year.

Check out what McShay said about the selection:

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Devin Bush, LB, Michigan*

There’s a void in the Steelers’ linebacker corps without Ryan Shazier. Bush, an athletic every-down backer, has the instincts to play Shazier’s middle linebacker spot. With Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt also in the mix, this unit could be pretty dominant.

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If you are like me, and don’t follow college football closely, you aren’t familiar with many of these prospects. I utilize the mock draft process to learn more about prospects, and in this case Devin Bush.

Here is a quick synopsis of Bush as a player, thanks to The Draft Network:

BEST TRAIT – Gap Shoot Ability

WORST TRAIT – Block Shedding

BEST FILM – Notre Dame (2018)

WORST FILM – Penn State (2017)

RED FLAGS – Size

Devin Bush is a player who is set to benefit from this new era of play in the NFL. Bush’s mobility experience in numerous types of responsibilities against the run and upside as a 3rd down defender (blitz ability and potential in coverage) set him up for an impact role. Traditional reps thumping into interior gaps vs. OL takes Bush away from strengths, however. He should be utilized primarily in a gap penetration scheme with a strong DL.

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It is at this point where Steelers fans can debate the prediction, but also the team needs moving forward. Let us know what you think of the selection, as well as the areas of need, in the comment section below!