Steelers LB Devin Bush Given 18-1 Odds to Win 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year; Is There Value?

• Pittsburgh traded up to get Michigan LB Devin Bush with the 10th overall pick
• The Steelers will be looking for Bush to fill the void left by Ryan Shazier
• With Pittsburgh facing a tough early schedule, Bush may have to wait for his opportunity

The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the boldest moves of the 2019 NFL Draft, dealing their first and second-round picks along with a third-rounder in 2020 to the Denver Broncos in exchange for the 10th overall pick, which they then used to select linebacker Devin Bush.

While the Steelers hope that Bush can have an immediate impact taking over at inside linebacker in place of the injured Ryan Shazier, the 20-year-old out of Michigan faces a huge challenge in his bid to emerge as next season’s top defensive rookie, and the oddsmakers know it.

In the first set of odds, Bush lags as a lengthy +1800 wager to claim 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Career-Threatening Injury to Shazier Leaves Hole on Steelers D-Line

Shazier’s NFL future remains in doubt after being placed on the Steelers’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list earlier this week. Taken 15th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2014 draft, Shazier has not played since suffering a serious back injury in December 2017.

Scary Ryan Shazier Injury, unable to move lower body. #Steelers vs #Bengals #NFL #MNF #PITvsCIN pic.twitter.com/GVuT8QnHmW

— The Spotting Board (@SpottingBoard) December 5, 2017

The Steelers felt Shazier’s absence both on and off the field last season. The 26-year-old recorded 87 or more tackles in each of the three seasons prior to his injury.

Perhaps more important, his leadership abilities in the room may have been a difference-maker last season, which was marred by infighting and holdouts that ultimately led to the departure of running back Le’Veon Bell and receiver Antonio Brown.

While Bush is unlikely to immediately fill Shazier’s big shoes, he brings impressive credentials to Pittsburgh.

While Bush is unlikely to immediately fill Shazier’s big shoes, he brings impressive credentials to Pittsburgh. The 2018 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year racked up 66 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolverines. He projects favorably to slot into any of the three linebacker positions, but is considered a natural on the inside.

Veteran Competition, Tough September Schedule an Impediment to Bush’s Rise

However, with veteran Vince Williams coming off another solid campaign, and the Steelers inking Mark Barron to a two-year, $12 million deal during the offseason, Bush may have to bide his time before taking on a leadership role on the Pittsburgh defense.

https://twitter.com/ATBPGH/status/1121593612821725189

Further complicating Bush’s hopes to make an impact is a tough schedule out of the gate. Pittsburgh opens with a road date against the New England Patriots, followed by a home-opening clash with the Seattle Seahawks, and a Week 3 trip to San Francisco.

Bush also faces serious competition in his bid to claim 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors from a talented group of defenders taken early in the 2019 Draft.

Bosa, Allen Emerge as Favorites in 2019 DROY Odds

Selected by the 49ers with the second-overall pick, Nick Bosa is expected to get every opportunity to seize a starting job on the San Francisco defensive line. Considered a sure-fire star and the #1 prospect in the class. Bosa joins Jacksonville’s Josh Allen as a +600 co-favorite.

The moment @nbsmallerbear's name was called. #49ersDraft is just getting started. Tune in to the #NFLDraft April 25th-27th on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network and online at https://t.co/rWmSCfNTSH pic.twitter.com/qaPc7siGxM

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 26, 2019

Due to injury, Bosa was limited to just three games with Ohio State last season, but he racked up 34 tackles and 8.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2017, and is expected to become the leader of the Niners’ defensive line.

Allen earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2018 while tallying an impressive 88 tackles and 17 sacks in his senior year at Kentucky.

But like Bush, Allen may have to wait for his opportunity behind starter Yannick Ngakoue, who enters a contract year after seeing his numbers dip slightly last season, which was an all-round disappointing campaign for any player wearing the black, teal, and gold.

Williams, Oliver, Ferrell Expect to Challenge for Top Rookie Honors

Other rivals in the race to be next season’s top defensive rookie include Quinnen Williams of the New York Jets, who sits at +700, Buffalo’s Ed Oliver at +800, and Oakland’s Clelin Ferrell at +1000.

Both Williams and Ferrell have national championship wins to their credit, while Oliver was named All-American in each of the past three years, but was limited to just eight appearances with the Houston Cougars last season.

However, with the 49ers expected to make significant strides following a dismal 4-12 campaign in 2018, and with the spotlight firmly fixed on Bosa, the former Big ten champion remains the man to beat among defensive rookies in 2019.

Pick: Nick Bosa (+600)