Bud Dupree to Steelers: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

As the first round of the 2015 NFL draft unfolded, the drama for the Pittsburgh Steelers built slowly, like a horror movie. Many believed that with the talent at the top of the draft at cornerback, that had to be the pick. There was also the prevailing thought that with this elite group of DE/LB hybrids, the cupboards would be bare there. In others words, one need position would push down the other to Pittsburgh.

However, the league was clearly focusing harder on cornerback than it was those hybrid pass-rushing specialists. This turned out to be a huge positive for Pittsburgh as Kentucky linebacker Alvin “Bud” Dupree figuratively fell into its laps with pick No. 22.

In case fans don’t know, here is a quick rundown of Dupree and what he is all about courtesy of his NFL.com draft profile. 

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 269 pounds
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 42”
• Broad Jump: 138”

• Career Tackles: 247
• Career Sacks: 23.5
• Career Tackles For Loss: 37

It is hard to argue with Dupree as the pick here. While his film isn’t as overwhelming as a player like Clemson’s Vic Beasley, it is how he did what he did at his size that makes him a special prospect. In fact, a better comparison might be to Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr., who went No. 3 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars 

Fowler had no better film. Both are big, strong and explosive. And their respective teams are banking on that translating to the NFL. The difference is, the Steelers were able to steal Dupree much later. How easy was this pick? According to general manager Kevin Colbert, it was simple.

What Dupree brings to the party that the Steelers have been lacking is strength. 2013 first-round pick Jarvis Jones was supposed to be the answer at left outside linebacker, but he just struggles so much with his functional strength. With that, what does head coach Mike Tomlin say about Dupree?

The reality is this pick is not simply value. It is not only best player available. But it is also filling a tremendous need. Fans can clamor for a cornerback all they like, and I look for one on the second day of the draft.

However, you do not reach for a position of perceived need and pass up an elite talent like Dupree. Fans that have been around a while remember the impact players like Jason Gildon and Joey Porter had in their prime, and you begin to understand what he can be.

From a technical standpoint, Dupree is able to turn power into speed at the snap and can impose his will on an offensive tackle. He possess violent hands and will create just enough separation at the snap that he can dip and turn the corner. Seeing a young man his size make plays that guys 20 pounds lighter struggle with is a thing of beauty. 

The Bleacher Report Team Stream Crew also appeared to be pretty happy with the value the Steelers got here as well.

Overall, if you don’t like this pick, then you just don’t like Christmas. Pittsburgh had no business getting the former Kentucky star, but it did. At this point, the Steelers need to focus their attention on other positions of need, but getting Dupree like this means any other linebacker prospect that they pull in later is a luxury pick only. The position is in good hands now.