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2015 NFL Draft Profile: DE Alvin “Bud” Dupree

By Alan Schechter

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Oct 18, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers tight end

Travis Dickson

(41) carries the ball as Kentucky Wildcats defensive end

Alvin Dupree

(2) pursues at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

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The Jets need to add an edge pass rusher when they head to Chicago for the NFL draft. We know this. They have done quite well at upgrading the roster thus far in the off-season, making a move for a pass rusher would really get the Jets to an A+ off-season of rebuilding.

There are three main guys we have been looking at so far, Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler, and Randy Gregory. But they aren’t the only players that would fill the void. Yesterday, we talked about a guy that was limited at the Combine, Shane Ray from Missouri. Today, we take a look at a player that was recently mocked by Charley Casserly to the Jets. It was, albeit, after trading down, but this was a player he had the Jets choosing at number 12.

Today, we are taking a look at Alvin “Bud” Dupree from the University of Kentucky.

Next: College Stats

Jul 17, 2014; Hoover, AL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Bud Dupree talks to the media during the SEC football media days at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

As always, let’s take a look at the stats. Here are Dupree’s numbers while at Kentucky:

Defense & Fumbles

Just looking above, I like to see that Dupree played all four years of college.  Being ready for the pros is all about experience.  The more games under your belt, the better.  Dupree has four college seasons of experience under his bet, which will serve him well heading to the NFL.

Dupree has also spent a great deal of time in the backfield, visiting opposing quarterbacks.  23.5 sacks and 37 TFL’s is a terrific number.  Alvin Dupree definitely has a history of being an impact player.

Next: NFL Combine

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky linebacker Alvin Dupree speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

At the NFL Combine, Dupree excelled, posting a 4.56 in the forty yard dash, a 42 inch vertical jump and a 138 inch broad jump, which is impressive from a guy weighing in at 269 pounds. Dupree stands at 6’4″ tall.

Here are the strengths and weaknesses from his draft profile:

STRENGTHS: Freakish athlete with chiseled frame. Posted incredible 42-inch vertical leap and 4.56 40 at the combine while weighing 269 pounds. Outstanding power with ability to rag-doll tight ends at will. Should be an above average edge-setter. Good transition from playing run to rushing quarterback in play-action. Explosive closing burst. Willing thumper when he has a shot on running back. Can drop into space and play zone. Raw, but learning with huge growth potential as a player. Has strength at the point to be a physical edge-setter. Scouts give him plus grade for character.

WEAKNESSES: Tall but not long. Wins with athleticism over skill at this point. Some scouts believe his instincts are below average, leading to hesitation. Will get caught taking bad angles to the ball. Needs to improve hand fighting. Still raw rushing the passer. Doesn’t possess a go-to pass-rush move. Appears to lack urgency in-game.

You know what is next. The film does the talking. Turn the page.

Next: Video & Final Thoughts

Dupree has a lot of speed. He has a good first step off of the edge. To me that is Dupree’s greatest asset. If he gets a step on his opponent he is gone. I like how he, like Ray, can use his hands as a technique to get around the lineman.

He is slow to diagnose plays, as the profile comments mentioned. You can tell when you watch the tape that on some of the running plays, his reaction to the ball is a bit slow and hesitant. He doesn’t get that good jump on the play that would get him on top of the running back fast. It’s not an ability issue, it’s play recognition, which will get better. It also appears, at least to me, that Dupree gives up sometimes. It didn’t seem like he was always running hard to the end of the play, slowing down when he is out of the action.

Right now, Alvin Dupree is a purely edge-pass rusher, that needs a bit more work to become an every down lineman. That being said, the Jets could do worse than choosing Dupree. I don’t like him at number six, but down in the first round? Sure.

Next: Draft Profile: Shane Ray, Missouri

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