The Pittsburgh Steelers stunned NFL fans during the 2019 NFL Draft by executing an unexpected trade with the Denver Broncos, securing the 10th pick to select Michigan linebacker Devin Bush. However, a recent revelation sheds light on how this pivotal move nearly fell through, highlighting the unpredictability of draft day maneuvers.
Steelers' 2019 Draft Trade For Devin Bush Almost Failed
New York Giants beat reporter Art Stapleton unveiled a surprising twist to the Steelers' draft saga. Former Giants' General Manager, Dave Gettleman, had his sights set on Bush, but was outmaneuvered by the Steelers in securing the trade. The Giants subsequently settled for Dexter Lawrence, who later earned two Pro Bowl selections, leaving many to wonder about the road not taken.
Amid high expectations, Bush's performance after his rookie season failed to meet projections, leading the Steelers to decline his fifth-year option. Ultimately, Bush found himself signing with the Seattle Seahawks, marking a significant departure from his initial trajectory.
Bush's promising career trajectory took a sudden turn when he suffered an ACL injury, sidelining him for the majority of the 2020 season. This setback dealt a severe blow to Bush's development with the Steelers, contributing to his subsequent decline.
In a surprising twist of fate, when the Steelers faced off against Bush during the 2023 season, his expressed confidence in thwarting Pittsburgh's rushing attack proved to be misplaced. Despite Bush's assurances, the Steelers managed to rack up an impressive 202 rushing yards, highlighting the disparity between expectations and reality.
As hindsight offers a clearer perspective, many Steelers fans now question the wisdom of the Bush trade, given his underwhelming performance in comparison to other draft prospects. This serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks and uncertainties associated with draft day decisions, where even the most carefully calculated moves can yield unexpected outcomes.
The Steelers moved up to draft Bush out of fear he wouldn't be available to them at where they were originally picking. They were correct as he would have been drafted as his demand at the time was high. However, looking back on the decision, it appears that the Giants lucked out by not being able to pull off the trade.
Lawrence has been nothing short of exceptional, delivering back-to-back Pro Bowl caliber performances that have solidified his reputation as a defensive force to be reckoned with. Over the course of his illustrious five-season tenure with the Giants, he has showcased unparalleled dedication and skill on the field. Having appeared in an impressive 80 games and boasting an impressive 73 starts, Lawrence has consistently been a pivotal presence on the gridiron.
His impact extends far beyond mere participation statistics; Lawrence's knack for disrupting opposing offenses is evident in his impressive career tally of 21 sacks and a remarkable 266 combined tackles. These numbers not only reflect his proficiency in pressuring quarterbacks, but also highlight his proficiency in stopping ball carriers dead in their tracks.
The Steelers' bold move to secure Bush in the 2019 draft stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of NFL Drafts. While initially hailed as a coup, Bush's subsequent struggles and the missed opportunity with the Steelers underscore the complexities and uncertainties inherent in player acquisitions.
As teams navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional football, the story of Bush serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that success in the NFL often hinges on a delicate balance of skill, strategy, and serendipity. While Bush didn't pan out in Pittsburgh, his NFL career isn't over just yet. He hasn't thrived since joining the Seahawks on a one-year deal, but at the age of 25, he still will have a chance to turn his career around somewhere.
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