2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Devin Bush
Position: LB
School: The University of Michigan
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 227 pounds
Round Projection: 2-3
Stats
Speed
Immediately, Bush’s film screams burst. From the snap, you see Bush with a split-second jump. With quick stride and explosion, Bust, tears either upfield or toward the boundary. In addition, Bush depends on his speed without fail. There are no false steps or second-guessing. For example, Bush gets into the backfield from the edge or A gap. Moreover, on plays trailing away, Bush possesses excellent closing speed to make a play at all three levels of the field.
Coverage
In the center of the action is where Bush resides. Playing the pass, whether over a back, tight end or even, wideout will not faze Bush. When dropping, Bush uses a steady, sure backpedal, keeping his pad level low. As a result, he can flip to either side and break on the ball. Also, Bush can cover the slot and operate effectively.
Tackling
First, Bush’s approach combines technique, malice, speed, and shiftiness. When surfing through trash, Bush will slip a block, darting in to make a play. When he contacts the ballcarrier, Bush’s low center of gravity coils his torso, allowing for a spring effect. Bush jolts opponents with that startling explosion. While he will attempt the random kill shot, he stays mostly within himself.
Intangibles
If you watch Bush for any extended amount of time, you can see an aggressive nature. That is to say, Bush plays the game with rage. From the first to the fourth quarter, Bush roams the field with a fearless, relentless nature. Even on special teams, Bush relishes contact. In an era of players that can throttle down emotions, Bush remains a throwback. In this clip, you can see the edge that Bush plays with.
Raiders Fit
In 2018, the Raiders employed a slow, disjointed linebacker group. With Tahir Whitehead as the only player with a big contract among them, the Raiders need an upgrade. Now, many will look at Bush’s size as a deterrent. Yet, his speed, versatility and explosion make him a worthy talent. In addition, looking at the evolution of the position, slower, plodding ‘backers became obsolete. In Bush, the Raiders could enjoy a three-down player that can anchor the middle, play outside, blitz, or cover. With an improved front four and playmakers at linebacker, Paul Guenther’s defense could make waves.
