NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker Devin Bush of Michigan

Today we take a closer look at Michigan linebacker Devin Bush and examine if he can be a great fit in the 49ers defense.

Greetings Faithful! We are back with another scouting report! Our focus turns to the linebacker position and the defensive side of the football. The San Francisco 49ers made some noise this offseason signing Kwon Alexander. Kwon is recovering from a major ACL tear as he begins the next chapter of his career with the 49ers after a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition to Alexander the team has Fred Warner and Malcolm Smith. Will John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan look to add more depth to the position?

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Today we are going to take a closer look at Michigan product linebacker and Devin Bush. Devin Bush played a big role in the Wolverine defense and had a productive season in 2018. As he gets ready to transition into the NFL, let us further explore and see how Bush can be a fit in the 49ers defense.

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.43
Bench Press: 21 Reps
Vertical Jump: 40.5”
Broad Jump: 124.0”
3 Cone: 6.93
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.23

Measurables:

Height: 5’11”
Weight: 234 lbs.
Hands: 9 5/8”
Arms: 32”

Summary:

Devin Bush had an outstanding final season in Ann Arbor being named the Big10 Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. He recorded 80 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, and 6 passes broken up. While he might be considered a bit, undersized Bush has a filled-out frame to support and absorb the hits and contact. Bush plays a physical brand of football.

Bush has dual-threat abilities as both a run-stopping and pass protecting linebacker. This adds value to Bush as a potential three-down starter at the next level. Bush uses his eyes well, and has great anticipation for where the play is going to occur. His eyes follow the quarterback’s eyes which in turn, allows Bush to position himself to where the ball is going.

Bush has a natural blend of upper and lower body strength, with good, consistent body control and balance through contact. Bush has demonstrated his ability to deliver leveraged hand strikes against blocks. Bush also demonstrates patience against run blocking. Trusts his lower body strength and legs to drive through upright blockers. Bush has great initial burst and all-around speed and has the traits to be a sideline-to-sideline runner.

He will be able to defend against runners and receivers horizontally, especially in the short and intermediate levels of the field. Bush doesn’t allow himself to get caught up in crowded lanes and navigates his way through traffic to make clean tackles on ball carriers on running plays. Bush is probably the most versatile linebacker in this draft class.

Bush has experience as a pass rusher and blitzer and doesn’t show his hand to blockers on designed blitz packages.

One big advantage Bush has with his size is his ability to slip by blockers through narrow gaps and lanes when rushing the passer on critical passing downs.

Is Devin Bush a fit for the 49ers?

Detroit Free Press-USA TODAY Sports

I truly believe that Bush is the type of linebacker that the 49ers are looking for in the defense that they want to employ. Yes, he is a somewhat undersized for the position. However, his speed and ability to cover the middle of the field from sideline to sideline is a big plus in today’s pass-friendly league. Bush has a lot of value as a potential three-down linebacker with his strong abilities as a defender against both the pass and run. Add on the abilities to create disruption in the opponent’s backfield and producing sacks against the passer and you really do have a well-rounded linebacker. His filled-out frame should be the final check mark to dispel any worries about his size. The fact of the matter is, Bush is a day one talent. With that said, is there any scenario that has Bush landing with the 49ers? Chances are slim, but not totally out of the question. What if the 49ers traded out of the second overall pick, and acquired additional draft capital? Perhaps another first round selection from…cough…cough…the Oakland Raiders…and used that additional first rounder on Bush in the early twenties. Again, chances are slim but as I always say with the draft…never say never!

What are YOUR thoughts on Devin Bush? If the 49ers acquire another pick later in the first round is Devin Bush an option? Please share in the comments below!