2015 NFL Draft Preview: DE Bud Dupree

The Sports Quotient’s annual Draft Preview series returns! Over the course of the 10 weeks leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, we will take a look at the top NFL prospects at each position. For our eighth week, the focus is on defensive ends. Today we look at Bud Dupree from Kentucky.

College Career

Alvin "Bud" Dupree tallied 23.5 sacks and 247 tackles in his 38 starts with the Kentucky Wildcats, starting as a true freshman. Playing in the SEC, Dupree faced a lot of good offenses where he defended the run and option effectively. Kentucky coaches praised his leadership on and off the field.

Pros

Dupree posted the best broad jump (138.0") of all DEs as well as top 3 in both the 40-yard dash (4.56) and the vertical jump (42.0"). His explosiveness, as exhibited in these metrics, is in line with those who played OLB their whole career. Dupree has the skill and talent to straddle the line between the two positions, which makes him valuable in today's NFL. His first step and elite speed make him a potentially scary pass rusher. 

Cons

His first step is more than enough to intimidate OTs and QBs immediately, but Dupree needs to work on how quickly he reads the play. Blitzing can get him far, but the truly elite OLBs and DEs need to be able to drop back into zone coverage from time to time.

Grade

Dupree is an incredible prospect with, simply put, perfect athleticism and size. The scary thing about him is his 6'4" frame doesn't look maxed out at 269 lbs, which is already pretty big for DEs. I expect him to make an impact immediately as a pass rusher, and he has room to grow - both physically and skill-wise - which sets him apart in this jam-packed edge rusher class.

Best Fit

It's hard to say where Dupree will land because this class has so many studs for rushing the passer. In my eyes, the best fit for Dupree would be the Atlanta Falcons at #8. The Falcons have a big hole to fill at DE after Osi Umenyiora retired, and Dupree fits the bill perfectly. He can rejuvenate a franchise that needs more pep in the defensive side of the ball.

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