Devin Bush makes huge jump in 1st round of latest NFL.com mock draft

Michigan’s Devin Bush is in the mix to be the first linebacker selected in the 2019 NFL Draft after his scintillating performance at the NFL combine and his Pro Day.

Michigan linebacker Devin Bush is one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the 2019 NFL Draft. He had a monster performance at the NFL combine when he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and jumped over 40 inches in the vertical, all at a heavier-than-expected 234 pounds.

As a result, his draft stock has been on a meteoric rise and has some analysts questioning whether he’ll be the first linebacker off the board. It would’ve been laughable to consider Bush getting drafted before LSU’s Devin White about a month ago, but now there’s at least a chance it could actually happen.

Bush’s rise up the draft board is reflected in the latest NFL.com mock draft from Lance Zierlein, who has the former Wolverine going to the Bengals at No. 11 overall. Zierlein didn’t have Bush as a first-round pick in his previous mock.

"The Bengals re-signed Preston Brown, but they still need more talent at linebacker after the release of Vontaze Burfict. Bush gives them a rangy, productive Day 1 starter at the position."

Bush finished last season with 66 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. And while his stats don’t jump off the page as elite production, his tape is a display of a rare athlete with great instincts who flows to the football and makes plays. He’s going to be an instant upgrade for any defense that adds him in the draft.

It would be a shock at this point if Bush is on the board beyond the 15th overall pick. He’s simply too good of a prospect. In fact, he’s a great candidate to be targeted in a trade-up scenario once White gets drafted (likely by a team in the top five or six picks).