For the first time this century, two off-the-ball linebackers were taken in the first 10 selections of an NFL draft, with fifth-overall pick Devin White, who went to Arizona, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Devin Bush. The Steelers traded all the way up from 20 to collect their man, but according to reports, the Denver Broncos were going to take him if the trade was not made.
Why were these two players taken where they were? It’s not simply because they are such rare talents globally speaking, although their gifts don’t come along incredibly frequently either.