The Pittsburgh Steelers have four defensive players heading into their sophomore seasons who can potentially have a big impact in 2020: Linebackers Devin Bush and Ulysees Gilbert, tackle Isaiah Buggs, and cornerback Justin Layne.
It’s easy to look at this list and choose Devin Bush. After all, as a rookie, Bush managed 109 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, 4 pass defenses, 1 forced fumble, 4 fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown.
But I think serious consideration needs to be given to Gilbert. A back injury abruptly ended a promising rookie season, but what flashes he showed in the preseason and on special teams in 2019 was enough to give the Steelers confidence in his abilities as a defensive weapon.
Not only did the Steelers release Mark Barron and let Tyler Matakevich walk in free agency, but the team also did not address those vacancies in the NFL draft.
With Bush and Vince Williams in the fold, it’s likely Gilbert will be nothing more than a rotational LB. But Barron saw double the snaps that Williams did last season, and it’s likely the Steelers will expect Gilbert to step in have a similar impact.
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