PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s one of the evolving positions in the NFL. Inside linebacker is changing from the Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Mike Singletary, even Brian Urlacher days. Teams still want the size and run stuffing, but the prototype middle linebacker is becoming more like, well former Steeler Ryan Shazier.
Someone who can hit, stop the run, but also help cover the downfield-threat tight ends. NFL teams desire more speed and position flexibility. A guy who can be on the line of scrimmage one play and a safety the next.
Steelers identified first Shazier, who seemed like the perfect mix. Following his injury, the team moved up 10 spots in the draft in the 2019 to select Devin Bush. Mixed bag for the now third year linebacker as he returns from a season-ending ACL tear in October against Cleveland.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (9) – Marcus Allen, Devin Bush, Ulysees Gilbert III, Buddy Johnson, Miles Killebrew, Jarvis Miller, Robert Spillane, Vince Williams, Christian Kuntz
STARTERS – All signs point to Bush being ready to start the season after the knee injury against Cleveland in October 2020. The 23 year-old flying in that Browns game before leaving with injury after 5 tackles, a half a sack, a QB hit in that game. On the season, Bush had 26 tackles, a sack, 2 QB hits in just over four games. He started 15 games as a rookie with 109 tackles (72 solo), a sack and 9 TFL with a pair of interceptions.
Likely Robert Spillane gets the starter reps next to Bush after his solid job filling in for Bush. The 25-year-old started 7 games, ending up with 45 tackles (39 solo) with a pair of sacks, 4 FTL and 3 QB hits. His season highlighted by a pick-six during a game at the Ravens, finishing with 11 tackles. The bad news was a knee injury against Washington and placed on injured reserve.
Spillane would return to total 9 tackles in the playoff loss to Cleveland. The Western Michigan star signed back for this season at $850, 000.
BACK-UPS -
Kuntz is a Duquesne All-American who also is a long snapper and looking for a way to stay on the roster. Johnson would really need to impress on special teams to stay off the practice squad.
OUTLOOK – They had to trade for veteran Avery Williamson after the injury to Bush last year, now there is some depth and intriguing young players in Allen and Gilbert. If Bush and Spillane can work well together, it could lead to Bush having a big year. Williams return keeps a veteran presence with the group.