4 under-the-radar free agent linebackers for the Buffalo Bills

Devin Bush

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and he immediately was an impact player for their defense. He would finish with 109 total tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and four fumble recoveries as a rookie.

Bush would finish third in the voting for AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year but over the next few seasons he would struggle and not be able to have the same impact. Part of the reason for this could have been due to a torn ACL he suffered in Week 6 of the 2020 season.

Over the past two seasons, he has struggled in pass coverage as opposing quarterbacks have a QB rating over 100 during that stretch and completed over 70% of their passes when Bush is in coverage. However, he has made notable improvements in his tackling as his missed tackle percentage has dropped from 13.3% in his first two years to 3.9% over the past two seasons.

When he came out of college, one of his strengths was his ability to cover tight ends and running backs which hasn’t necessarily translated to the NFL. If the Buffalo Bills believe this is something that can be corrected, Bush provides high upside at a key position.